The Art of Kogei Craft

Explore the rich heritage of traditional Japanese artistry at this month’s Living National Treasures exhibition in Ginza.

Throughout history, the Japanese people have held deep respect for nature and emphasized living in harmony with the natural world in their craftsmanship.

This appreciation for functionality, beauty and tranquility is embodied in yo-no-bi, the beauty found in practical objects.

This spirit is at the heart of the 10th The Art of Kogei Craft: Living National Treasures Exhibition, which offers a rare opportunity to experience a wide range of exceptional works from April 3 to 20 on the sixth floor of Seiko House, an iconic Ginza landmark.

The Living National Treasure designation is awarded by the Japanese government to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional mastery of an intangible cultural property, such as the disciplines featured in this exhibition as well as performing arts, and are recognized as essential to its preservation and transmission to future generations. The designation was created under the 1950 Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, which helps preserve traditional arts and crafts at risk of fading due to modernization or a lack of successors.

This year, 39 artists from five traditional craft disciplines—ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, metalwork and wood/bamboo crafts—will present their works, and six will give gallery talks on Saturdays and Sundays during the exhibition’s run.

Though the materials vary, each artist’s work reflects an ongoing dialogue with their medium that brings their artistic vision to life and embodies the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship, a cultural treasure not only for the country but the world.

The works on display at this year’s exhibition marry time-honored techniques with contemporary sensibilities. We invite you to explore these exquisite pieces, learn more about these centuries-old traditions and experience the pinnacle of craftsmanship.

Club Members can enjoy a private tour—up to two groups per day. Click here to make a reservation.

Exhibition
April 3–20 | 11am–7pm (closes at 5pm on April 20)

Gallery Talks
April 5: Iwao Shinno (ceramics)
April 6: Nobuo Matsubara (dyeing and weaving)
April 12: Yukie Osumi (metalwork)
April 13: Kazumi Murose (lacquer art)
April 19: Noboru Fujinuma (wood and bamboo crafts)
April 20: Kenji Suda (wood and bamboo crafts)

Gallery talks start at 2pm and are conducted in Japanese.

Images from top to bottom:
Blue-glazed vase, stripe design by Iwao Shinno and Smoked bamboo Flower basket with “Miyabi (Elegance)” by Seiho Kibe
Obi fabric “Concerto” by Sachiko Arakaki
Chinkin lacquer box “Border privet flowers” by Katsuhiro Nishi, Flower vase with a striped pattern in unglazed metallic maki-e by Kazumi Murose and Nanryo chashinko tea jar “Moon Palace” by Yukie Osumi

April 2025