Preferences

People usually have their own standards of perfection and different preferences for what they want their work to look like. These feelings are cultivated in each individual person and differ between each person. 

One artist, upon bringing her work into the recent exhibition, decided that she wanted to make some changes to her work. She was comparing her work to the work of other artists in the gallery and her standards of perfection seemed to change. She decided that she did not like the texture of her work as it was, so used sandpaper to sand it down again. 

There is a feeling that the work that we have seen in this exhibition is striving to be perfect. Each artist has their own idea about perfection. Even if ‘perfect’ does not really exist in the art world, these artists do their best to make their artwork as close to their standard of perfection as possible. This level of effort is apparent in their work and makes the art more wonderful. If we make small changes to our work when needed, then we can be satisfied with the work when it is completed.

Tanslated by Jennie Whittington

’Liaison’ three-person exhibition

Many visitors have been enjoying the Liaison three-person exhibition at Kyoto Zuihodo’s gallery this month, showcasing the work of three master craftspeople.

This work was previously shown at Hotel Kanra in Kyoto in March and at the Kogei art fair in Kanazawa last November.

These new creative works have given the gallery a new energy and a fresh atmosphere.

Please take the opportunity to look at this work if you can.

As the gallery was originally a Nishijin textile weaving shop, we can display the work in a beautiful spacious area with a high ceiling.

There are also days when the artists will be present too, so please take a moment to meet them if you can.

If you have any questions about the Liason 3nin exhibition, please contact the Kyoto Zuihodo gallery.

Tanslated by Jennie Whittington

Liaison three-person exhibition at Kyoto ZUIHODO

At last year’s Kogei art fair in Kanazawa, three artists worked together in one exhibition. Aki Takahashi and Miki Kato who design and create pottery, as well as Ai Shimizu, who makes lacquerware, are now showcasing their work at Kyoto Zuihodo as part of a three-person exhibition.

The seed of an idea was planted for these three female artists, all from the same generation, to make beautiful pieces together. This exhibition is the result of numerous plans and discussions. Please visit us and enjoy this exhibition.

Exhibition schedule:

From 29^th March until 14^th April 2019

Opening hours: 10:00am until 18:00pm

Holiday day (exhibition closed): Wednesdays (The gallery is usually closed on Sundays but will be open on Sundays during this exhibition)

Tanslated by Jennie Whittington

Collaborative Work: Liaison

For 3 days from Friday 16th until Sunday 18th November, Kyoto ZUIHODO will be exhibiting work at KOGEI Art Fair in Kanazawa. Ours will be the only exhibition from Kyoto, so we are looking forward to it.

We would also like to introduce our collaborative work, Liaison, which will be released at this time. This work is currently under construction, and it is a collaboration of lacquer and two different styles of pottery.'Liaison' is a French word meaning to tie and connect, and it became the title of our work. Each individual part is full of personality, and it is likely to be a charming work.

Soon you will be able to view a small part of Liaison's progress, at the KOGEI Art Fair in Kanazawa. Please come and see it!

KOGEI Art Fair Kanazawa

We have decided to participate in an arts and crafts fair in Kanazawa. It will be held at Kumu Kanazawa The Share Hotels from Friday 16th November until Sunday 18th November.

Room 204 in the hotel will be Kyoto ZUIHODO’s designated exhibition space, and it will be an interesting event where art will be displayed freely. The exhibits will not be in cases, and visitors can move around as they please and see the things which interest them.

Many artists from Kyoto ZUIHODO will participate, including Ai Shimizu (lacquer), Aki Takahashi (pottery), Miki Kato (pottery), and Mikio Hirai (Nishijin weave). Individual and collaborative works created by each of them will decorate the room.

We will be waiting for everyone to visit.

Visit the event’s official website here. 

New Work: Hand-Carved Kettle - Chrysanthemum

Do you know the word ‘wabori’?

Wabori is a carving technique to make sculptures, and has been passed down since ancient times in Japan. However, nowadays it is hardly used. Instead, laser engraving is becoming popular.

But Unzan, one of Kyoto ZUIHODO’s artisans, does not rely on machines. He has inherited his techniques from the past, and uses them to create beautiful and delicate works. One of his works is the chrysanthemum hand-carved kettle.

In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower used in many places, including on silver teapots. Making works with a machine never matches the fineness of making them by hand, or conveys the passion which the artists put into them.

The Chrysanthemum hand-carved kettlejoined the lineup of Kyoto ZUIHODO’s works in 2018. Please make sure to look out for it.

Visit this work’s page here.

Wave Pattern Teapot

This teapot has a calm wave pattern with a satin finish.

It is smaller than the standard size, being 5.4 inches in width, meaning that it is easy for everyone to handle.

The pattern is created by a process of carefully and repeatedly striking the metal, and the finish created with old methods which the artist’s masters used and passed on to them.

Nowadays in Japan, the processes for making silver teapots are more often done by machine than by hand. Because Kyoto ZUIHODO are committed to preserving traditional techniques, wonderful handmade works such as this wave pattern kettle still exist.

There are trends everywhere. At this time, there are also fashions in the world of traditional art. Enhancing the arrangement of old patterns creates new textures, which can become a part of these fashions.

When you want to take a rest, enjoy some tea with a beautiful silver kettle… why not taste such a moment?

Visit this work’s page here.

A Hands-on Golden Joinery Workshop at Kyoto ZUIHODO

On the 23rd September, the Senryo ga Tsuji event will be held. This event in Nishijin, Kyoto, is the biggest one for conveying the history in an exciting way.

At Kyoto ZUIHODO, lacquer artist Ai Shimizu will hold a hands-on golden joinery workshop. For the workshop, epoxy resin and a substitute lacquer will be used instead of genuine golden lacquer. Although the materials will be different, you will still experience for yourself the ancient process of how to do golden joinery which has been handed down through the ages.

To participate in this workshop costs ¥3,500 per person. If you would also like to use some of our crockery, you will need to pay an extra ¥500. Alternatively, you may also bring your own items.

Time: There will be two session on the 23rd September at 11am and 3pm.

Please contact Kyoto Zuihodo to reserve your place.

Phone number: 075-748-0953

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

999 Pure Silver Kettle - Sizuku (Dripping Water Pattern)

Rain brings us wealth. Without water, people, animals, and plants cannot live.

When raindrops touch the window, it holds the same beauty as a sunny day. Also, when  winter’s ice melts, water droplets fall and we can feel the arrival of spring.

Although rain is often called depressing, it is indispensable for all living things. Its presence is a wonderful thing.

The appearance of dripping water is expressed on this kettle. Due to its old-fashioned finish, this work shines with beauty. Just like rain, it makes people feel soothed.

Watch a YouTube video of this work here.

Visit this work’s webpage here.

Iron Sand Kettle - Phoenix

This kettle shows how beautifully the phoenix flies in the sky.

Iron sand is generally difficult to work with. There are likely to be problems, such as cracking, when the iron sand content is increased. Usually the content is kept at around 50%, but the Kyoto ZUIHODO kettle is around 70% iron sand. The content is so high that it is said to have the highest purity when compared with other works.

We take various evaluations to create handcrafted wax molds, with great care and using the best technology.

Kyoto ZUIHODO do not merely create works of art. By carefully attending to every detail, we offer you works of the highest quality and in the best condition.

Visit this work’s page here.