Get to Know the Artists from KAGA 2012

Thank you for coming to the opening reeption of KAGA 2012 last night.
We would like to introduce the artists from KAGA 2012.
Please take a look the great works with the artist infromation.

The show will be on Oct. 28th, 29th and 30th.
Please come to see their great works!
Thank you.

Round Incense Holder made from persimmon tree wood and two types of gold. 
The pattern imitates woven threads pulled over the miniature piece, which is 5cm in diameter.  TAKAYUKI HARIYA uses the traditional Makie technique to apply gold on to the wood.  The smooth gold finish in the thread pattern is made from rounded gold particles; the sparkling gold finish is a result of flaked particles from gold leaf.  It is traditionally used for the Japanese tea ceremony as a container for incense, and can now be enjoyed as a beautiful art piece with utility.  HARIYA incorporates new materials in his other pieces including mother-of-pearl and acrylic.

This cylindrical miniature porcelain item is a display of the art form of Micro-Calligraphy, unique to Kutani ware BY SEITO TAMURA.
It is a container with a bottom and a lid.  Micro-Calligraphy began in 1894 by Seizan Oda.  The calligraphy is of Japanese classical poems, Noh songs, and the Kyakunin-Isshu (100 poems by 100 different poets).  The art form has been passed down through the generations.
The artisans are committed to further enhancing their skills to portray the elegance of the world of Japanese classical literature in a contemporary manner.

These wooden "Macaroons" are turned from Cherry Blossom wood.
The indentation between the top and bottom pieces helps to depict the macaroon shape.  The lacquer is applied to the wood in a process that is repeated four times.
They come in a colorful array of yellow, blue, green, and rose.  They can be used to hold small accessories like bracelets, rings, or earrings.  It can also be used at the dinner table for salts or other condiments.  They can be washed with soap and water.
Done by HARUHIKO ASADA.

The square porcelain container has a small squirrel figurine perched on top of the lid.
RURI TAKEUCHI uses the Kutani ware technique.
The pattern on each piece is outlined and fired once, then the color glaze is applied on top.  It is fired again at a high temperature so the glaze becomes colored glass, and gives the object a beautiful glossy finish and rich texture.  She also applies gold to her final piece.  The leaf pattern is an adaptation of an age-old design used in Greece, China, and Japan.  If you look closely, RURI's interpretation has little birds within the leaf pattern that interact with each other and the squirrel on top.