Categories artisans / Ceramics
Written by TOMIKAWA Kyōko Latest work (June 2025): “ELEC Actuate Mantis” (W500×D580×H430mm) in white porcelain The first time I encountered a work by HORI Takaharu (堀 貴春) was at the Tableware Festival 2019. His debut-exhibition piece, “Shiromushi (白蟲)”, which won the Grand...
The process of kamisuki. To make large sheets of washi paper four people need to work together. The pulp mixture, saturated with water, is extremely heavy. On a late autumn day, thick clouds blanketed the sky as we took a taxi from Takefu...
READ MORE IWANO Heizaburo Seishijo (hand-made washi paper mill)
Written by TOMIKAWA Kyōko 《Taxis Groove (Torn) 》2025｜Urushi, hemp cloth, other | Kanshitsu-technique｜116 x 86.5 x 90.3 cm ｜Photo: KORODA Takeru. Courtesy of ARTCOURT Gallery Coming face-to-face with the works of ISHIZUKA Genta (石塚 源太), one cannot help but feel a sense...
Written by TOMIKAWA Kyōko From the top down: Edo Komon Kimono Fabric “Kenkenpa” (2022), “Trump” (2017), “Zō (象: elephant)” (2021). All are Edo Komon pieces dyed using new stencils. On “Moon Shot”, the waxing and waning of the moon are incorporated into komon...
Written by TOMIKAWA Kyōko Jizai-okimono Fukue-maimaikaburi (自在置物フクエマイマイカブリ) (2024) This detailed replica of a Damaster blaptoides from Fukue Island has been meticulously crafted and ’brought to life’ using copper and copper alloy. Length: 7–8 cm. The articulation of the leg joints and the intricate detail...
With smooth, organic forms that undulate like flower petals, the lacquerware of KAMATA Katsuji (鎌田 克慈) exudes a profound presence. The deep, lustrous finish of the lacquer conveys a sense of depth, while the gentle, flowing shapes evoke a natural elegance. KAMATA’s creations stand out...
Written by TOMIKAWA Kyōko ”Leaf Boat (spring)/一葉舟（春）”(H5.5×W28.0×D8.5cm, 2018, private collection)In green glass reminiscent of fresh spring leaves, geometric lines of gold and platinum are applied using the ‘kirikane’ technique, with tiny hexagrams embedded within.As a child, YAMAMOTO loved to float leaf boats in rain-fed...
Categories artisans / Visual Art
Hasagi trees, which are planted to hang harvested rice on to dry, are now only seen in protected areas. SASAGAWA Shunsō loves hasagi and frequently depicts this motif.Haruka-naru furusato (遥かなるふるさと) (2011) Located almost exactly in the centre of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Niigata Prefecture...
Written by TOMIKAWA Kyōko Kyūsui (吸水: Water Absorption) is an artwork that can truly be called chōzetsu-gikō (超絶技巧: transcendent craftsmanship).I encountered this piece for the first time at the Mitsui Memorial Museum’s exhibition “Taking Transcendent Craftsmanship into the Future! With the DNA of Marvellous...
The “Wazao” is a traditional Japanese fishing rod made of natural materials. Crafted by master artisan YAMANO Masayuki (山野 正幸), its origins are in the “Kawaguchi Wazao”, which emerged over 200 years ago in the vicinity of Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture. Attracting anglers from...
Written by TOMIKAWA Kyōko Designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan in 1957, Kurume Kasuri (久留米絣), a cotton fabric representative of Kyushu, is believed to have emerged in around 1800. One of the country’s three major Kasuri, it features images and characters...
Categories artisans / Ceramics
Oribe-ware and Shigaraki-ware (Sake vessels). (photo by TOBETOBEKUSA) Shigaraki Town, Kōka City is located in the southern part of Shiga Prefecture, a neighbouring prefecture of Kyoto. Driving along a narrow road barely wide enough for a single small car to pass, we arrive...
Written by TOMIKAWA Kyōko Kirikane (截金).This technique was brought to Japan around the 6th century with the spread of Buddhism. The method, known at the time as “kashoku-shōgon (加飾荘厳)”, was developed to present the world of Buddha. It involves decorating the robes, lotus...
The historic Kokuryu Brewery (黒龍酒造), established in 1804, is located close to Kuzuryū River, a clear stream fed by melted snow from the sacred Hakusan mountain range in Fukui Prefecture. The climate in this area, by the Sea of Japan, is characterized by...
Airy leaves, bold plaid patterns and delicate lace-like waves – the unique and elegant tie-dye patterns of Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori are crafted by skilled artisans in Arimatsu (Nagoya). MURASE Hiroyuki (村瀬 弘行), a fifth-generation successor of the craft, founded ‘Suzusan’ to deliver inspired shibori fabrics to...
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