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Meet Traditional Artists
Featuring artists and craftspeople from Kyoto, Japan
December 4th, 1 pm - 4 pm
Demonstrations will continue throughout the afternoon, and will allow guests to interact and enjoy the artists' varied skills.
Join us for our special event to experience an unrivalled wealth of varied arts and crafts practiced by skilled artisans all the way from the old capital of Kyoto, Japan.
Enjoy demonstrations and Q & A sessions with our various visiting artists, while you admire their work and shop their wares, all included with the price of admission!
Meet the Artists
These artists will be presenting their works in person, for you to enjoy!
Takaaki Saida 斎田 隆朗 - Stone Smith
Saida Sekizai 斎田石材店
Takaaki Saida is the fifth artisan of Saida Stone Studio, which has been engaged in processing stone and sculpture in Kameoka, Kyoto since 1900. He uses traditional chisels and stone heads to make Kyoto stone crafts and lanterns, and also specializes in carving works using finer chisels.
In addition to these traditional techniques, he uses various techniques for making lanterns and adds delicate finishing touches by using chisels or by doing the traditional Kyoto technique of "weathering", which gives the work a dignified appearance, are also reflected in the joint production with contemporary art.
In recent years, he has exhibited his stone lanterns in the United States, Italy and other countries all over the world, demonstrating their production process and developing new products, which has expanded his activities beyond cultural and national borders.
Masayoshi Ozasa 小笹 正義 - Traditional Chef
Kyoto cuisine Matsu-sho 京料理 松正
After graduating from Kyoto Culinary Art College, Masayoshi Ozasa had trained for three years at Kinobu in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto and after, became a young master at his family's restaurant "Matsusho", established in 1936. Matsusho makes the most of the natural characteristics of the Tamba region, which is rich in ingredients that create "Kyoto cuisine that cannot be found in the heart of the city".
From 2016 to 2020, he also worked as a lecturer at his alma mater, Kyoto Culinary Art College, teaching over 100 students a year about the culture of Kyoto cuisine, Japanese sake and wine.
In 2019, he represented Japan at "Sommelier Summer School" in Germany to deepen his understanding of German wine, and after returning to Japan, he has worked to promote German wine as a "certified teacher" authorized by the German Wine Institute.
Wakunami Madoka 涌波まどか - Potter
Soryu-gama 蘇嶐窯
Soryu-gama is a husband-and-wife team that combines the traditional techniques of Kyoto’s Kiyomizu ware and Fukuoka’s Koishiwara ware in their pieces. The celadon produced by Soryu-gama is called “nerikomi seiji,” literally meaning “kneaded celadon.” After pigments are kneaded into the clay, it is then glazed, which creates a beautiful deep blue color.
During this process, Soryu-gama also uses “tobikanna,” a technique characteristic of Koishiwara ware, where bits of clay are shaved away. Glaze fills the indentations left in the clay, bringing forth an even pattern. Through this process, they continue to search for unique new possibilities for celadon.
The blue that Soryu-gama aims to produce is that of the sky after the rain has ceased. Their hopes of bringing this clear blue hue to many people has inspired them to create products that are both beautiful and useful. Another recent endeavor is their search for a market for their items outside Japan. The experience gained overseas is channeled into their work, which has come to include Western tableware.
Kazuya Nanjo 南條 和哉 - Traditional Metal Casting
Nanjo Kobo 南條工房
Kazuya Nanjo is the seventh foundry craft person of a factory specializing in the production of Orin, Shinto and Buddhist altar fittings (sound instruments), using traditional casting and processing techniques developed around the factory’s original material "Sahari" (Copper-based alloys of tin and lead) that they have made for over 190 years.
He has been a craftsperson for 20 years. In 2019, he launched a brand "LinNe," redefining Orin (Buddhist instrument making a bell-like sound) as a chime to enjoy its sound more freely in a relaxed setting
He also collaborates with sound artists and composers, and holds workshops at Apple Kyoto to propose the possibilities of the unique and original sounds made by his products.
Other Featured Artists
These artists won't be presenting in person, but their crafts can still be admired.
Shun Hatta 八田 俊 - Showen Braiding
Showen braid 昇苑くみひも
Born in Kyoto. After graduating from university, Shun Hatta came into contact with manufacturing through various activities and joined Shoen Kumihimo Ltd. in 2011. After being mainly involved in the production of “Kumihimo” (braided cords) and “Yorifusa” (twisted tassels) using a stringing machine, he joined the sales department in 2015.
He continues to propose the role of Kumihimo in modern times by responding to various needs such as new product planning and application proposals based on his broad knowledge in the field.
Sachi Manabe 眞鍋沙智 - Kyoto Printed Silk
Born in Aichi prefecture, Sachi manabe, began traditional training with Miyako Gijuku - Kyoto City, and in 2007 completed the 38th Hon-Yuzen dyeing (hand-drawn) Technician Training. She has had in her pieces featured in numerous exhibitions.
http://tc-kyoto.or.jp/about/organization/chieyugo/wakate-y12.html
Visit MTA to learn more about these artists and their exciting projects!
