Hayashi Shigeki, from Tajimi City, draws inspiration for his ceramic figures from images from science fiction, animated film and Japanese comic books known as manga?all of which have attracted him since he was a child. He comes from a region of Japan famous for the production of porcelain domestic ware, and he says "In order to express my ideas as art, I have found that porcelain is the best medium. However, I do not think of my works as ceramic pieces." His haunting figures, like this "QP" doll in a space suit, suggest a deeper, hidden narrative within this universally recognizable variation on the traditional Kewpie doll from the west. In 2007 this gQPh received the important Medal of the President of the Chamber of Deputies at the Faenza International Competition for Contemporary Ceramics in Italy.