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 creations

At Kyoto ZUIHODO, we not only use metalwork, but also collaborate with craftspeople from other art genres to create new designs. Using a combination of calligraphy, paper mounting and handmade kinran fabric, which Buddhist priests’ clothes are made from, we have created these folding screens. A picture framer creates a basic design and then the other artists add to the piece. 

Each artist values the traditional method of making their artwork, using equipment and technologies that follow and preserve these traditions. By sharing their ideas, these artists can respect each other’s methods and work together to create beautiful pieces.

We are exhibiting these pieces at Kyoto ZUIHODO, so please come and see them for yourself.

Translated by Jennie Whittington

Ambiente Day 1

Ambiente 2019 was held in Frankfurt, Germany. This year, Kyoto ZUIHODO will be awaiting your visit in Hall 4.0 D87.

We are exhibiting many different works to last year. There are some selected works such as Tancho Duru, which took around 1 year to create after the silver kettle. In Japan's unique paintings, a lot of people are staring at their feet and looking fine and beautiful.

Also this year the internationally renowned artist Georg Jensen has visited Kyoto ZUIHODO's booth. Kumo-o is absent this time, but the friendship between the metalworkers remains unchanged.

Thank you very much to the many people who visited on the first day. We are very grateful. I will continue to do my best until the 12th! Auf Wiedersehen!

Ambiente Preparation

After heading to Germany for Ambiente, I arrived in Frankfurt safely. The next day I visited the venue, and was busy preparing for the exhibition of the works.

The image of our booth has changed from last year's. This year the booth is based on grey, which not only creates a calm atmosphere but also brings to life the colours of each work so you will enjoy the place much more. You can also see a demonstration by the artist Aki Takahashi, and experience her artwork.

Kyoto ZUIHODO is aiming to convey the merits of not only silver kettles but also pottery and other works, through letting people see beyond the beauty of the works and learning the techniques behind them.

Well, I will do my best to prepare for the next day's event.

Creative Process (Process of Creation/Making the Works)

In creating all kinds of works, I think everyone understand that there is a process for each. However, how many people understand the amount of processes that there are?

Works are carefully handmade, one by one, repeating the process... Each process incorporates the ideas and feelings of the artists, as well as their techniques.

This is a work by Aki Takahashi (a pottery artist working with Kyoto ZUIHODO), who is currently demonstrating his process at Ambiente in Frankfurt.

Delicate sketches attract viewers, and the colours are so wonderful that the more you look at them, the more you will be drawn in by their beauty.
To find out about the finished work, please look out for the report from Germany which will be uploaded at a later date!

Going to Germany

Hello everyone!

This year, like last year, we will exhibit our works again at Ambiente 2019, held in Frankfurt,

Germany. As usual, our booth will be waiting for everyone to visit in Hall 4.0, D87. 

This year, we will create a different design for our booth. We hope that you will look forward to visiting it.

Also, our gallery in Kyoto will be open from 10am - 6pm as usual, except for our regular holidays on Wednesdays and Sundays. Please come in and see us if you are in Kyoto.

I will update you with more exhibition information soon. Thank you for your patience.

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.

Taiwan International Tea Expo 2018 at Nangang Exhibition Hall, Taipei

From Friday 16th until Monday 19th November 2018, the Taiwan International Tea Expo will be held at the Nangang Exhibition Hall in Taipei.

Companies from all over the world related to tea will meet at this event and exhibit their things. And Kyoto ZUIHODO will be attend this exhibition.

Also we would like to invite you to exhibitions and demonstrations by the glass artist Reiko Tananbe, who has been holding a solo exhibition at Kyoto ZUIHODO.

You can create a special teapot, and enjoy Reiko's delicate sandblasting work.

In addition to this, there will also be a demonstration by the artist Kumo-o. You can see their fine techniques.
Do not miss this wonderful opportunity to see these secret methods from ancient Japan!

We are looking forward to seeing you.