Colorfully Painted Manhole Covers from Japan

created at: 05/21/2012

A few years ago, I discovered the amazing tradition of graphic and painted manhole covers in Japan

Over the weekend, I found the mother lode.    It’s a Flickr collection by user MRSY, who lives in Izumi Osaka, who’s gathered more than 350 images of these unique pieces of public art all over Japan.

created at: 05/21/2012

I love how these demonstrate that when a community decides to incorporate art in the landscape, it’s easily integrated into the landscape. My city could learn a lot.

Also, “mother lode of manhole” is a curious thing to say out loud.

Manhole covers マンホールの蓋