With Designart Tokyo, Tokyo is becoming the world's most multicultural city through innovation and fusion of cultures.

This year, Designart Tokyo (also known as DESIGNART TOKYO) returns for its seventh year, promising a dazzling showcase of design, art, interior, and fashion presentations in Tokyo and throughout the world. This year's theme is "Sparks: Liberating Thoughts," which invites visitors to embrace revolutionary creations born of personal discoveries and liberated thinking amid profound societal changes.

This year, Designart Tokyo (also known as DESIGNART TOKYO) returns for its seventh year, promising a dazzling showcase of design, art, interior, and fashion presentations in Tokyo and throughout the world. This year's theme is "Sparks: Liberating Thoughts," which invites visitors to embrace revolutionary creations born of personal discoveries and liberated thinking amid profound societal changes.


HONOKA, the design lab that won the SaloneSatellite Award 2023 1st Prize, for their project "TATAMI ReFAB PROJECT," is now set to exhibit their work in a triumphant return at DESIGNART TOKYO 2023

A prestigious 1st Prize was awarded to HONOKA at the SaloneSatellite Award 2023. "TATAMI ReFAB PROJECT" stood out among the competition, showcasing innovation and creativity at its best.

To celebrate this remarkable achievement, HONOKA will present the "TATAMI ReFAB PROJECT" in a triumphant exhibition. The showcase will showcase their innovative work, highlighting their commitment to sustainable design and re-imagining the traditional TATAMI.

We congratulate HONOKA on receiving this well-deserved recognition, and we encourage you not to miss their outstanding exhibition at SaloneSatellite 2023. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of design promises to be a true testament to their talent.

© 2023 honoka lab

From left to right: MORITAKA TOCHIGI , RYO SUZUKI , SHOICHI YOKOYAMA, SHINNOSUKE HARADA, KAZUKI FUJIWARA, JAMES KAORU BURY

A design lab founded by passionate product designers, this group is dedicated to exploring and utilizing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, to create products that evoke the subtle allure of natural materials. They prioritize factors like texture, aroma, and color to ensure a delightful user experience while embracing the inherent charm of the materials. This approach aligns perfectly with contemporary design philosophies that value sustainability and environmental consciousness.


Introducing 9 contemporary craft artists from Denmark's Bornholm Island for the first time in Japan

The artistic fusion of Japan and the Nordic region through the masterpieces of nine contemporary craft artists from Bornholm Island, Denmark's territorial island in the Baltic Sea. The exhibition is scheduled to run from October 26th to October 28th at HOTEL K5 in Nihonbashi Kozumachi.

UNESCO-affiliated organization "World Craft Council" awarded Bornholm Island the prestigious "WORLD CRAFT REGION BORNHOLM" title in 2017, recognizing its excellence in arts and crafts.

Jakob Jørgensen Studio

From left to right: Rick Gerner, Charlotte Thorup, Johanne Jahncke, Michael Geertsen, Jakob Jørgensen, Per Suntum, Line Depping, Kaori Juzu, Iben Birch Bech

The event provides a unique glimpse into the lives of local artists on the island, providing an immersive experience that infuses a harmonious blend of Japanese and Nordic sensibilities. Witness the remarkable talent and creativity of these contemporary craft artists and discover the inspiring connections between cultures.

Venue:HOTEL K5 (K5 Suite)

3-5 Nihonbashi Kabuto-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0026 

https://k5-tokyo.com/


Italy's Exquisite Yacht Brand, SANLORENZO, presents the world of "Design & Art"

©sanlorenzo

A vision of "Design & Art" will be showcased by SANLORENZO Japan, the company that distributes Italy's exquisite yacht brand SANLORENZO in Japan, at the DESIGNART TOKYO 2023 Official Venue, DESIGNART GALLERY. One of the world's leading brands, "Paola Lenti," will be featured in the exhibition along with furniture designed by Sanlorenzo Yacht's in-house designer Patricia Urquiola for MOROSO. In this exhibition, you will be able to experience the artistic worldview of Sanlorenzo Yacht. Visitors can also enjoy the SANLORENZO LOUNGE at the venue.

Event Venue:DESIGNART GALLERY (〒107-0061 Tokyo, Minato City, Kita-Aoyama, 2 Chome−7−15)


SANLORENZO'S MA5 GALLERY presents "PATTERN STROKE- 模様の筆跡

In Japan, SANLORENZO JAPAN launched MA5 GALLERY in an effort to distinguish itself from other yacht brands by emphasizing "Design" and "Art." As an ever-evolving platform, MA5 GALLERY showcases art, design, and interiors.DESIGNART TOKYO 2023 features an exhibition inspired by the artistic technique called "PATTERN STROKE," in which artist Noda Yasuto assembles patterns into artworks. A collection of works depicting landscapes observed by the artist on his travels will also be displayed. The gallery strives to be a hub for innovative art and design during the event.

NOBUTO FUKUTSU / 福津 宣人https://www.nobutofukutsu.com/

Nobuto Fukutsu, Born in Miyagi Prefecture in 1969, this artist first pursued a career in video production. Later, they transitioned into painting and developed their own unique painting style utilizing a variety of patterns with the theme that "everything is like a pattern."

Venue: M5 GALLERY

〒100-0006 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Yurakucho, 1 Chome−12−1, Shin-Yurakucho Building, 1F

https://www.ma5gallery.com/


Discover Muuto's latest designs and creations through five captivating scenes.

A special pop-up event will be held at DESIGNART TOKYO 2023 Official Exhibition to celebrate Muuto opening its first-ever store in Japan in spring 2024 in Tokyo's Aoyama district. "THE DESIGNART GALLERY." Featuring furniture, lighting, rugs, accessories, and the latest creations, such as the Wrap Lounge Chair, which debuted at this year's Milan Salone Internazionale del Mobile.

It will feature five distinct scenes, including Living, Dining, and Home Office setups, providing an immersive experience to appreciate the unique world of "Muuto," a leading force in the New Nordic design movement. At this special event, you can explore the full line of Muuto products and enjoy the captivating atmosphere.

Muuto: https://www.interoffice.co.jp/products/muuto/

Event Venue:DESIGNART GALLERY (〒107-0061 Tokyo, Minato City, Kita-Aoyama, 2 Chome−7−15)


A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE「TYPE-V Nature Architects project」

"THINKING DESIGN, MAKING DESIGN: TYPE-V Nature Architects project" was on display at ISSEY MIYAKE / MILAN's flagship store during Milan Design Week. The exhibition has now been reimagined and will be presented at two Tokyo stores, A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE / AOYAMA and ISSEY MIYAKE GINZA / 442, exhibiting prototypes that go beyond clothing. A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE's collaborative project "TYPE-V Nature Architects project" explores how design integrates into material and manufacturing processes.

By combining Nature Architect's latest design solutions with A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE's unique manufacturing system, this project explores the possibilities offered by a single piece of fabric. Visitors are invited to explore the integration of design concepts into tangible products in this exhibition that explores the potential that lies beyond traditional clothing.

A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE 

https://www.isseymiyake.com/pages/apocable#section0

 

Event Venue:A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE / AOYAMA 

〒107-0062 Tokyo, Minato City, Minamiaoyama, 5 Chome−3−10 FROM-1st

ISSEY MIYAKE GINZA / 442 

4 Chome-4-2 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 141-0061

For more information, please visit: https://designart.jp/designarttokyo2023/

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5 young talents selected for "UNDER 30! at DesignArt Tokyo

DESIGNART TOKYO” is one of Japan’s largest design and art festivals. Now is the time that new ideas, creative thinking, and actions that embody them are particularly needed, DESIGNART TOKYO, with this year’s theme: “CHANCE!”, will showcase innovative design and art from Tokyo to the world. Varieties of creators and brands have already confirmed their participation in this multi-venue festival, and five fresh talents are selected for the “UNDER30” program that supports young creators.

“DESIGNART TOKYO” is one of Japan’s most significant design and art festivals. Now is when new ideas, creative thinking, and actions that embody them are particularly needed, DESIGNART TOKYO, with this year’s theme: “CHANCE!” will showcase innovative design and art from Tokyo to the world. Varieties of creators and brands have already confirmed their participation in this multi-venue festival, and five fresh talents are selected for the “UNDER30” program that supports young creators. Here are some of the agenda of DESIGNART TOKYO 2021:

Five young talents selected for “UNDER30”!

Since its first year, DESIGNART TOKYO has been supporting young creators through the “UNDER 30” program. Among many competitive applicants, five international creators have been selected by the founders of DESIGNART.

AROUNDANT

Kentaro Takagi's "W-M project" is an attempt to create a new textile that is beyond anyone's control by combining the structure of a loom and the movement created by playing an instrument.

"Less than instrument" by Soichiro Tanaka is a lighting work in which a Led chip is embedded in expanded metal, which is a building material, giving the impression that there is no light source. Based on the creative activities that each of them has done, "purism" is set as a common theme, and two works that have been updated according to DESIGNART TOKYO 2021 will be exhibited.

https://www.aroundant.com

Kathleen Reilly

Kathleen Reilly is a Scottish artist and metalworker based in Tsubame city in Japan’s Niigata prefecture. She graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2018 and is represented by Gallery S O in London.

Exploring new territory in how we interact with every day, artist, and metalworker Kathleen Reilly presents Oku, a new knife design made in collaboration with local cutlery manufacturers in Tsubame city.

www.kathleenreilly.co.uk

ATSUSHI SHINDO

Atsushi Shindo works as an interior designer. His works focus on the primitive charm of unremarkable materials that are closely related to our life. Traveling around Japan made him rediscovered the diversity of design. These are fostered by nature and climate. He has found a lot of sparkle of joy in abundant nature and techniques in Toyama has visited Toyama a few times in these years. This exhibition aims to think about future design through the making process.

https://www.atsushishindo.com/

salt in

“salt in” is a design unit established by Shanshan Liu and Xiulai Zhou. They are both designers from China, graduated from Musashino Art University. Learning by trial and error, they are exploring the “seasoning” of design. People usually see an object as what it is on the outside, its appearance and senses, without suspecting its internal matters. 

We want to pull the inside traces and expressions out of its external shell. By turning the inside out, we shift the scenes of production, usage, destruction, circulation, and restoration of existing products, to create works that convey a new common sense, while maintaining the impressions in the sensory and perceptual experiences.

https://saltindesign.studio.site/ 

Hiromasa Fukaji

Hiromasa Fukaji is Designer,Artist. Continuing the pursuit of original graphic expression centered on the technique of creating accidental expression using a plotter (equipment that outputs vector data). "Plotter Drawing" is a technique in which digital data is converted into physical movement by a plotter. Physical factors such as friction, gravity, humidity, and atmospheric pressure act to create "accidental expressions" such as blurring. Plotter Drawing is an expression technique that intentionally creates accidental expressions at the boundaries between digital and real.

https://www.hiromasa-fukaji.com/

From art to design furniture - Introducing the part of programs not to be missed!

 Two designers and their unconventional approaches: Sho Ota’s wooden works x januka’s jewelry

Jo Nakamura, the jewelry designer of januka, goes beyond the conventional use of materials and techniques. In his flagship store in Aoyama opened earlier this year, works by Sho Ota, a Dutch-based designer/artist will be exhibited. Ota has enhanced his research at wood furniture atelier into his collection, including a stool called “Surfaced”. Based on their solid technical skills, the two designers taking unconventional and innovative approaches will co-create a unique space.

https://www.januka.jp/     https://shootadesign.com/

Sho Ota.JPG

New works by Christophe Pillet

「FLEXFORM 2021 COLLECTION」@FLEXFORM TOKYO

Founded in Lombardy, Italy in 1959, "FLEXFORM" is 100% domestically produced in Italy and offers the highest quality furniture with the excellent technology of skilled craftsmen. Antonio Citterio, a Master of Interior Design who has been supervising the brand for over 40 years, expresses a consistent and elegant world that is timeless. At FLEXFORM TOKYO in Minami Aoyama, the FLEXFORM 2021 COLLECTION will be unveiled. The designer intentionally stripped the design of non-essentials, to then focus on “the details, the precise proportions and masterful execution, inherent features that inescapably define the quality of that object”. new production “ANY DAY TABLE" & Also pay attention to "ECHOES CHAIR", which has added variations following last year.

https://www.flexform.jp

“Tomio Koyama Gallery” introducing Shooshie Sulaiman with her solo exhibition

Tomio Koyama Gallery has long been in the center of the contemporary art world, and actively participating in international art fairs. In recent years, the gallery introduces diverse artists from established to young talents, regardless of their origins or genres. 

During DESIGNART TOKYO 2021, a solo exhibition of a contemporary artist, Shooshie Sulaiman from Southeast Asia will be held.  Shooshie, of mixed Malay and Chinese heritage, pursues the history of Southeast Asia, the culture of her home country Malaysia, as well as her own memory and identity through her works. Through diverse approaches such as drawings, collages, installations, and performances, her works often appropriate natural elements from trees, soil, to water that is native to the land. Bringing an almost mystical air in her works, she proposes complex and inextricably connected relationships between human beings, nature, and art.

http://tomiokoyamagallery.com/en/

シュシ・スライマン.png

 DESIGNART TOKYO 2021

Date: October 22nd (Friday) - October 31st (Sunday)

Area: Omotesando, Gaien-mae / Harajuku, Meiji-jingu-mae / Shibuya / Daikanyama / Roppongi / Shinjuku / Ginza / ONLINE

Organizer:DESIGNART TOKYO Committee

The founders of DESIGNART: Akio Aoki (MIRU DESIGN), Shun Kawakami (artless Inc.), 

Hiroshi Koike (NON-GRID), Okisato Nagata (TIMELESS), Astrid Klein & Mark Dytham  (Klein Dytham   Architecture).

Official website: http://designart.jp/designarttokyo2021/en/

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DesignArt Tokyo 2021 is now call for entires

An annual festival of "Art and design." Bringing together various creative works from all over the world to the city of Tokyo is now returns in October 2021.

An annual festival of "Art and design." Bringing together various creative works from all over the world to the city of Tokyo is now returns in October 2021.

Amid the Covid-19 crisis, challenges continue in our life, society, and business. However, now is the time when creative ideas and actions are much in need than ever. Setting this year's theme as "CHANCE!", DESIGNART TOKYO presents cutting-edge design and art from Tokyo.

Celebrating its 5th year, DESIGNART TOKYO continues developing as a hybrid and international event, merging physical and digital experiences. Many exciting projects and collaborations will be seen, reflecting hot subjects, such as sustainability.

New category luxury outdoor chair made from genuine leather One of the most notable Asian architects, Johnny Chiu, collaborates with a group of Japanese Meisters, "KOBE LEATHER," is unveiling a brand-new category of luxury outdoor furniture. Single chairs will be the first ones to be introduced during DESIGNART TOKYO 2021.

Don’t be miss these great chances to showcase your design and art pieces. In Tokyo, Japan, the call for entries deadline will be on May 20, 2021. For more information, please check the following link to direct to DesignArt Tokyo.

Call for entries:

Deadline: 20 May 2021

Entry Website: http://designart.jp/en/entry2021/

About DESIGNART TOKYO 2021

"DESIGNART TOKYO" is one of Japan's largest design & art festivals held every fall. Diverse objects and experiences of crossover the fields of ART, INTERIOR, DESIGN, FASHION, and FOOD, from around the world are presented in various locations in Tokyo. The world’s leading mixed culture city "Tokyo" transforms into a museum during the festival.

For more information, please visit: http://designart.jp/

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Design Pier capture the preciousness of time and the fragility of a moment

Design Pier returns for Designart Tokyo 2020, compiling a selection of high-end design objects that capture the preciousness of time and the fragility of a moment and compels them to experience life to its fullest. The selection includes unique and precious pieces that challenge commercially made objects' homogeneity and brings a refreshing perspective, creating an emotional attachment between products and users.

Design Pier returns for Designart Tokyo 2020, compiling a selection of high-end design objects that capture the preciousness of time and the fragility of a moment and compels them to experience life to its fullest. The selection includes unique and precious pieces that challenge commercially made objects' homogeneity and brings a refreshing perspective, creating an emotional attachment between products and users.

DAZINGFEELSGOOD (DFG) is a Singapore based design practice founded by Kiat Ng and Karen Chiam in 2015. Guided by design fundamentals, the practice reflects on rational and reduction approaches to explore, design, collaborate and create works that span across furniture, graphic and spatial design disciplines.

The practice has led DFG to produce works that are represented at international art and design platforms including Art Stage (Singapore), Maison&Objet (Paris), SaloneSatellite (Milan), and received recognition from A’ Design Award (Italy), Asia Design Prize (Korea) and Bolia Design Award (Denmark).

Objet is a series of modular planes in the expressions of geometric shapes connected in a methodical arrangement to create assemblages that function as lighting. 

Title: Objet
Year: 2020
Dimensions: 500 x 500 x 500mm each (A series of 3 artworks)
Material: Acrylic with dichroic film


In my work I try to find a good balance between what is made and what is found. I want to submit to the nature of fired-clay, and keep certain evidence of my existence. That is my pride as a maker. I like boundaries and rules. Craftsmanship is very important to me.

 

I make vessels sometimes. Sometimes, I create an object with the intention of creating a vessel. When I take various kinds of minerals, clay, and different parts of Earth, arrange them in a specific way then heat them in my kiln and I feel like I am making a new type of rock in a very short time. The actual rock cycle in nature goes on for millions of years. In my lifetime I hope I can illustrate the process through my practice and bring it into the domestic settings and environments for people to experience. 

Pim Sudhikam (1973/ Thailand): Pim holds a Bachelor of Industrial Design from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, and a Master of Fine Arts from HDK Gothenburg University, Sweden. Since 1998 Pim has been working with clay as her primary medium, investigating pottery as material, process and content. Her works include collections of objects, sculptures, and large-scale, site-specific installations. The works explore a balance between what happened and what being made while she tries to bring natural phenomena into the domestic context in the form of vessels. Pim has taken part in exhibitions, symposia, and residencies in Thailand and abroad. She has received “Awards of Excellence in Arts and Crafts” from the Ministry of Culture, “National Invention Award” from the National Research Council of Thailand, and an Honourable Mention from the 39th Ceramic Competition Gualdo Tadino, Italy. Pim is a board member of the Thai Ceramic Society and elected Council Member of The International Academy of Ceramics (IAC). Her studio is built among trees and gardens in the middle of Bangkok.


The Slim table, available in different sizes and heights, was designed by Matthias Demacker for Sovet. The designer sought the perfect balance between elegance and minimalism to create a model that can surprise the lines' lightness. Offering a selection of finishes that can fit any environment, Sovet's expertise in using materials added value to the model.

About Sovet: Sovet blends the Italian glass art tradition and the contemporary design inspiration to create furniture that speaks an original, elegant and versatile language. The company provides innovative material inspirations, combining elegance, sustainability and minimal design, focusing on the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship, the versatility of the project and the sustainability of the production process. Sovet is a new culture of living for home & contract spaces.


StudioEJ is a Seoul based design studio focusing on furniture and interior design. 

“We try to make scenes of space that are created through unique relationships among objects and space.”

Printed Light 2020 is a shelf containing poetic moments drawn with natural light found in interior spaces. The light which is common in everyday life-light coming through the curtains in the morning, red light coming through the blind in the late afternoon and always nice rainbow (prism effect) on the wall-are applied to the spaces of different sizes to induce a warm light experience.

Happy Pixel intends more active and dramatic conversations with objects, which is interaction by applying a mirror to the lenticular as a pixel. If you apply a mirror to the naturalized pixelated image and reflect it on the mirror which is a part of the pixel, you will find a moment assimilated with the natural image.

With several years of working experience for architectural firms, she started her practice focusing on experimental and conceptual projects in a wide range of fields from small objects to space design. Her approach to design is to create a special and unique experience taking a fresh perspective on the mundane. 


“Not what it seems to be”

Our memory is molded by daily social interaction with environment. We store the experience in our memory and we shape our own belief and faith.

We tend to judge and make decisions based on what we know. But more often things are “Not what it seems to be”.

“Not what it seems to be”, the massive and masculine objects lead us to believe that they are made out of Heavy Black Iron, yet in contrary all the objects are made of light weight Recycled Carton. Once interacting with the objects, you would find out that they are not merely objects, but an instrumental pair of Maracas filled with natural seeds creating sound inside. Deceiving our expectations, they challenge our sense of perspective and question our own memory and faith while planting a New Memory through interacting with the pieces. Reminding us that Memory is Re-Created every day yet it is a Fragile, Mortal, and Fallible “Object” veiled by a thin layer of Rusting Faith.

THE DESIGNER

Wataru Sakuma is a Philippine-based Japanese designer with a strong background in fine arts. Famous for his creativity and ingenuity, Wataru uses even the most basic of materials, like paper, to create functional yet artistic pieces for urban living. His respect for nature and his ability to see something beautiful in discarded or overlooked materials gives his work conscience.

For more information, please visit: www.designpier.co or http://designart.jp/designarttokyo2020/en/exhibitor/design-pier/

Exhibition dates:Oct 27th – Nov 3rd, 2020
Hours:11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Omotesando Hills Main Building B3F, Space O
Address:4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

About Omotesando Hills

Omotesando Hills is a unique cultural/commercial complex, emerging as the new face of Omotesando, which has transmitted various trends as the hub of Japanese fashion and culture.
The six-level atrium (three stories above ground and three underground stories) at the heart of the main building is complemented by the 700m “Spiral Slope” ramp (“the second Omotesando”) spiraling around the atrium space in an incline roughly equal to that of Omotesando. At the center of the atrium space is a grand stairway (from the first basement to the third basement), leading to a 548㎡ multi-purpose space, called “Space O”, in the third basement which serves as a base for imparting information.
The exterior wall holds a 250m long LED display called “Bright-Up Wall”, illuminating the nightscape of Omotesando.
These creative spaces are combined with “selective” stores mainly positioned along the Spiral Slope, “MEDIA SHIP.”, involved corporations, participating artists, and trend-conscious people who gather at Omotesando Hills combine together in order to evolve the complex into a new facility with unparalleled expressive ability. It is the venue for various events related to fashion and art and continues to generate the latest news.

https://www.omotesandohills.com/

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DEISGNART TOKYO - Art Works & Installations

One of the largest Japan’s Design & Art Festival is soon to be launch on October 18-27, 2019. Visitors will able to explore and find something they fall in love with during this 10 days exhibition, not only appreciated the art and design but visitors able to purchase their favorite items.

One of the largest Japan’s Design & Art Festival is soon to be launch on October 18-27, 2019. Visitors will able to explore and find something they fall in love with during this 10 days exhibition, not only appreciated the art and design but visitors able to purchase their favorite items. This year, over 100 participating venues will be joining this festival and estimate with over 200,000 visitors will be participating in Tokyo, Japan.

Art Works & Installations Only Viewable at DESIGNART TOKYO - Grand Seiko at Jing Harajuku

The exhibition ‘THE NATURE OF TIME,’ which was unveiled at Milano Salon, will be recreated at Jing in Harajuku. The producer Toshiki Kiriyama of TRUNK K.K and creators Contemporary design studio we+ and motion Graphic Director Shingo Abe were all recruited to realize this installation that explores the true essence of time and the conception of time in Japanese with its closeness to nature. The show digs down into the deeper meaning of creating things.

MAD DOG JONES @ DIESEL ART GALLERY

Highly rated for its unusual selection of artists, DIESEL ART GALLERY in Shibuya will be playing host to the world’s first ever exhibition of Canadian visual artist MAD DOG JONES, who shot to fame through instagram. The art works to go on display here take son the challenge of fusing two contrasting themes.

Toronto based artist MAD DOG JONES holds the world premiere exhibition. MAD DOG JONES is known for his unique artworks that expressing two conflicting elements, cyberpunk and nature. More than 20 pieces of new works will be shown which are available for purchase, and related goods such as T-shirts will be sold at the exhibition.

Raison d’être (Our Purpose)

With a history crossing over 190 years, Wakabayashi Butsugi Mfg Co,. Ltd. specializes in Kyoto-style Buddhist altars and accouterments. It's "raison d 'être" exhibition will be showing a GUM Omotesando, showcasing creations from six artisans: Satoshi Itasaka, Jin Kuramoto, Yuko Nagayama, Kohei Nawa, Yuko Hashimoto, and Shiogo Mashiro. Each of the artists investigates the opportunities for Buddhist Altar design and reveals their ideas through traditional craftsmanship.

Wakabayashi Butsugu is a Buddhist altar and furnishings manufacturer founded in Kyoto in 1830. Working with skilled carpenters, lacquer workers, and metalsmiths, Wakabayashi has provided altars and furnishings for both temples and private homes since its founding. The company brings together the highly specialized skills and carefully honed techniques of the various artisans of Kyoto, applying them to the repair and restoration of temples and national treasures throughout Japan. 

Working with designers from various fields, Wakabayashi is producing art pieces and products that incorporate the techniques of traditional handicraft with the aim of preserving and passing down this invaluable craft and technique of these highly skilled artisans.

This exhibition is the latest project by Wakabayashi Butsugu, an established Buddhist altar and furnishings maker from Kyoto with almost 200 years of history. It is a new kind of Buddhist altar, personalized and made-to-order for the family and the departed. 

Together with product designers, architects, and artists, we have reimagined the altar by drawing on its three aspects- as a piece of furniture in homes, as a miniaturized temple structure, and as an object of prayer. Through the traditional craft of skilled artisans, we have created a collection of modern altars.

For this first collection, we worked with creators Yukio Hashimoto, Satoshi Itasaka, Jin Kuramoto, Shigeo Mashiro, Yuko Nagayama, and Kohei Nawa to bring new perspectives to Buddhist altars and the expression of craft.

For more information, please visit Designart Tokyo website: http://designart.jp/designarttokyo2019/

Designart Tokyo 2019

Date: October 18th (Friday) - 27th (Mon)

Area: Omotesando- Gaienmae Harajuku/ Meiji-jngumae Shibuya - Ebisu Daikanyama-Nakameguro Roppongi-HIROO Shinjuku Ginza

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What is DESIGNART TOKYO? (I)

Held each autumn DESIGNART TOKYO is one of Japan’s largest art & design festivals. With the concept of “Emotions”, interiors, art, fashion and food from all around the world are collected with a genre-defying spirit. Decorating the coolest areas of Tokyo with art, making it fun to walk around and visit all the different exhibits, transforming the entire city into a museum over the course of ten days.

Israel Announced as Official Partner Country!Israel is decided as the Partner Country of this year's DESIGNART TOKYO. As part of the Exchange Project, more than 10 participants from Jerusalem Design Week (JDW) will exhibit their works. (From Japan, …

Israel Announced as Official Partner Country!

Israel is decided as the Partner Country of this year's DESIGNART TOKYO. As part of the Exchange Project, more than 10 participants from Jerusalem Design Week (JDW) will exhibit their works. (From Japan, Shota Hayakawa and Yuri Himuro of last year's Designart Tokyo, have participated in the JDW 2019 in June.)

With a showcase of local materials, installations, projects and events stemming from the recent editions of JDW, the exhibition will explore the tensions and hybrids which define a unique Israeli design approach

Ginza & Shinjuku Join the Party!

TOKYU PLAZA GINZA X Bunkamura X Toraya Exhibition

TOKYU PLAZA GINZA X Bunkamura X Toraya Exhibition

< KIRIKO LOUNGE / Tokyu Plaza 6th Floor >

Tokyu Plaza Ginza will serve as the Information Center for the Ginza area. At KIRIKO LOUNGE, located on the landmark building’s 6th floor, poetry evoking the season of autumn in the Ginza area will be recited as part of an event titled “Gin-cha-kai” (Silver Tea Party), while Toraya, the venerable purveyor of Japanese sweets and patron of traditional arts and crafts, will be supporting an exhibition titled “TOKYU PLAZA GINZA Å~ Bunkamura SPECIAL PROGRAM ~ Toraya,

Principles of Japanese Sweets”, curated by Ryusuke Nanki. The show will examine the expression of the four seasons and the origins of craftsmanship through the lens of Japanese sweets, while visitors can experience the joys of creating Japanese sweets at the adjacent Sukiyabashi Chabo.

Lalique x Damian Hirst “Eternal” Collection

Lalique x Damian Hirst “Eternal” Collection


< Lalique >

The revered house of Lalique, known as “The haute couture of crystal glass”, has entered into a partnership with world-renowned contemporary artist Damien Hirst to produce a collection titled “Eternal”. Melding Hirst’s conception of “The Cycle of Life” with the house’s unrivalled craftsmanship has resulted in art pieces the likes of which have never been seen before and which visitors will be sure to enjoy seeing up close. ETERNAL IMMACULATE

Photographed by Fran.ois Fernandez ˝ Damien Hirst, Science Ltd and Lalique. All rights reserved, DACS/ADAGP 2017

Shiseido Gallery / From “Moulting”(2019) by Jay Chung &amp; Q Takeki Maeda

Shiseido Gallery / From “Moulting”(2019) by Jay Chung & Q Takeki Maeda

< Shiseido Gallery >

Shiseido is a cosmetics brand whose identity is deeply entwined with the history of Ginza. Celebrating its centenary this year “Shiseido Gallery” is Japan’s oldest art gallery and this year it will participate in DESIGNART TOKYO for the first time. The gallery will be featuring an exhibition selected by Berlin-based conceptual artists Jay Chung & Q Takeki Maeda as well as an exhibition of craftsmanship featuring arabesque patterns.

Please stay tuned for more information with us or you may visit: http://designart.jp

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