Report: KOGEI Art Fair Kanazawa

For three days from the 16th until the 18th November, Kyoto ZUIHODO participated in the KOGEI Art Fair Kanazawa held at KUMU Kanazawa.

The art fair was a unique event which transformed a hotel room into a gallery, and many people who love crafts and art came to visit. Thank you to everyone who came!

Liaison

Liaison, the collaborative work by Aki Takahashi, Ai Shimizu, and Miki Kato, was also displayed at this event and it was very popular. We were grateful to be able to introduce the old techniques and spirit which we care about so much to many people.

Our works Kaminari Kettle and Teapot, Kiku Tea Spoon, Cloud Tea Canister, Pottery (Aki Takahashi), Fabric (Mikio Hirai)



Works of Aki Takahashi



Works of Ai Shimizu



Works of Miki Kato

Although this year's exhibitions have finished, next year we will participate in exhibitions in Germany in February and Kyoto in March.
I hope to report about these events nearer the time.

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!

New Work: Henkei- Shibori Iron Kettle

Since iron is harder than gold, silver, and other metals, it is said that it is a difficult material to create a hammered kettle from. But with a considerable amount of time and labour, it is possible to create this work.

However you look at this work, it is beautiful. Traces of the hammered pattern give it warmth, and its smooth, curved mouth draws out the flavour. This effect can only be created from squeezing one sheet of iron.

There is nothing which our predecessors came up with that modern people cannot also do. However, a variety of things can now be alleviated by relying on machines. But by struggling to create one work using traditional methods, it is possible to convey the feelings of our predecessors in the present day, and feel joy knowing that some things cannot be changed.

Visit this work’s page here.

Kyoto ZUIHODO’s Commitment - Tools

When creating artworks, are the tools not important? Of course the artist’s commitment and spirit and protecting traditional techniques is important too, but you cannot create artwork without tools.

For the creators, tools are not merely objects used to make things. They are passed down from generation to generation, and are important objects filled with meaning.

There are many types of tools according to different patterns and processes, and many tools may be used to create one work. Artists must choose the right tools for the process they are using and the pattern they are creating.

Techniques which can only be created using certain tools have been handed down from the past to now.

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.

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.

Extraordinary Art Exhibition in Far Eastern Department Store (Taiwan)

We are holding an Extraordinary Art Exhibition in Far Eastern Department Store in Taichung, Taiwan now.

We had held exhibitions at Far Eastern Department Store for many of times.

But this time is very special.

We are not only exhibiting Kyoto ZUIHODO brand works, exhibiting works that 6 of Japanese extraordinary artists made.

Aki Takahashi, Tomoko Takahashi, Hiroyuki Tomita, Mayumi Nakamura, Akihiro Nikaido, Masahiro Wadayama, they are the artists.

The exhibition will be holding until the 13^th of this month, and we will hold the exhibition at Shinchu Store from the 27^th of July till the 8^th of August, at The Mall(Taipei) from the 11^th of September till the 20^th of September.

If you are interested about beautiful arts, please come to visit us!

Hope to see you soon in Taiwan!