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.

A Happy New Year!!

We were so lucky that we could met such many people last year.

Hope we can meet more people in this year!

We wish you will have a nice and lovely year ahead!!!!!

From Kyoto ZUIHODO

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.

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.

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

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