On the Buchanan Mall, the cobbled pedestrian lane leading into Japantown, two low bronze fountains rise from the paving like folded paper. Ruth Asawa designed them in 1976, modeling the forms on origami; the cobblestone stream around them suggests a riverbed running down the block.
Asawa, born in California and interned with her family during the war, became one of San Francisco’s defining sculptors, best known for wire works now in major museums and for fountains across the city, including the mermaid fountain at Ghirardelli Square. She fought to put art in public space and art education in public schools; the city’s arts high school now carries her name.
The fountains were restored in recent years and sit steps from the Peace Pagoda, the final stop. Most people walk past them; now you won’t.
