GLASS-LAB released their new GLASS-LAB NEW PRODUCT “WA” collection of bangles made from Edo Kiriko cut glass bottles on their official website on July 1.
GLASS-LAB NEW PRODUCT “WA” Sustainable Clear | ¥18,370 (Tax Included)
GLASS-LAB NEW PRODUCT “WA” Sustainable Black | ¥18,370 (Tax Included)
GLASS-LAB NEW PRODUCT “WA” Sustainable White | ¥18,370 (Tax Included)
GLASS-LAB NEW PRODUCT “WA” Sustainable Green | ¥18,370 (Tax Included)
GLASS-LAB was opened by the Shiina family in 1950 in Koto, a city known for the production of Edo Kiriko, a traditional type of Japanese glassware. The owner eventually passed the factory onto his sons. It is now run by Takayuki Shiina who is highly skilled at sandblasting, so much so he can cut glass to a fine 0.09mm.
This new collection was made in collaboration with designer Yukio Fujita of ‘design shop YU.’
Information
GLASS-LAB NEW PRODUCT “WA”
Released: July 1, 2021
Buy Here: https://glasslab.official.ec/
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The five winners of the second Japanese Traditional Culture Grand Prix have been announced! The contest was spearheaded by the Japan Traditional Culture Promotion Project, established in May 2020 as a collaborative effort among companies, associations, and local governments to establish a sustainable framework for the continued development of Japanese traditional culture. The project is headed by Seiichi Kondou, the Former Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. United Arrows Honorary Chairman Osamu Shigematsu serves as Vice-Chairman. Along with Nobuo Yoshida, the 14th generation head of the 400-year-old traditional paper fan store Ibasen, the Japan Cultural Promotion Project began this Grand Prix as a way to honor outstanding works of Japanese culture by companies, organizations, and individuals. Anyone can enter, regardless of nationality, residence, or age. The jury consists of 11 people from various fields, including Richard Collasse, the Chairman of Chanel LLC, and popular model Kozue Akimoto.
Grand Prix Winner
Dustpan x BroomLuo QiEach dustpan is shaped by hand to match the special shape of the Matsumoto broom, which is then dyed with natural Tokushima indigo dye. The broom is the only one in the world made from home-grown broomcorn, and each is made by a third-generation craftsman with years of experience. Runner-up Prizes
Japanese Lacquer Art - EtherTakehito Sasaki [Critique] Both traditional and innovative. The spirit of Japanese culture and the meaning of this award seem to have taken shape in this work. The zippers do not open. The surface looks like leather, but it isn’t. When the lid is opened, the glossy lacquer seems to spread out. My expectations were surpassed. Anyone who sees it or uses it will find themselves lost in imagination, and I’m sure that thinking about that will bring a smile to the creator’s face. This beautiful craftsmanship was born from plenty of care and attention. What a pleasant surprise. (Risa Tanaka) Sake Drinking Set - Japanese nagomi Sake Cups Nagomi Fujita [Critique] There’s something about this piece that shares a spirit with Art Nouveau. The delicate plants superimposed on the bright transparent glass are a powerful image. In traditional Japanese nagomi art, the linear appearance of the plants is painted a bit more lightly, but these overlapping layers and shapes resonate and make an impact. The artist used traditional techniques such as lacquer and foil in a subtle manner, while still making the plants look alive. I’d consider this as a modern take on ecology. (Yuko Hasegawa) Excellence Award
Floating Boat Counter Masafumi Kodama (Registered Architect with a First-Class License) / Taiki Ishikawa (First Class Carpenter/Registered Architect with a Second-Class License) [Critique] The motif that inspired this piece is the traditional Japanese architectural technique of funahijiki. It’s an outstanding piece that utilizes practical architectural practices to create a piece of furniture at the center of a home, somewhere that the family relaxes. It brings the beauty of Japanese wood into the modern age. Funahijiki is a technique that has been used in incredible places, such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kojoin Temple. It’s graceful and elegant, and not often seen in the current age. (Hidetsugu Horikoshi) Folding Chair to Assist in Seiza patol stool SEIZAHirayama Daily Goods Shop, Makiko & Kazuhiko Hirayama [Critique] The judges liked this folding chair for assisting seiza sitting, as it’s something that could be put to practical use right away. It’s sure to help people enjoy tatami culture, and will be a big help for people who seldom sit on the floor in this traditional way. The height and size of the chair, as well as its ability to be folded for easy storage, are nice touches. I’d consider this a masterpiece with incredible potential. (Yuji Akimoto) These pieces of artwork managed to connect traditional Japanese culture with future sensibilities, so give them a look! -
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Naruto anime series, Usaburo Kokeshi has created two traditional dolls modeled after Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. The original manga series by Masashi Kishimoto has become a global phenomenon, and fans won’t want to miss out on these unique pieces! Preorders are now open. Usaburo Kokeshi makes each of these pieces by hand, transforming them from children’s playthings into traditional works of art. The wood used to create these pieces is from trees in Gunma Prefecture. Usaburo Kokeshi Doll - Naruto Uzumaki
Usaburo Kokeshi Doll - Sasuke Uchiha These adorable dolls completely recreate both character’s outfits and hairstyles, and the designers clearly focused on the small details. Enjoy these palm-sized versions of your favorite Naruto characters! ©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ Information
Naruto Kokeshi Dolls from Usaburo Kokeshi
Details/Preorders: https://tfansite.jp/feature/naruto2207
Orders Open August 3, 2022 at 11:00
Release Date: Late October 2022
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Behance, the world’s largest creative social media network, has started a new project to promote Japanese traditional culture and arts and crafts to the world. Works on Behance will be transformed into NFTs, with the goal to establish a new way for traditional craftsmen to profit from their work. Japan’s traditional arts and crafts are well-known by many around the world. On the other hand, challenges still remain as many regions’ traditional manufacturing industries are digitized. Sharing more detailed information about these crafts with overseas markets has also been difficult. According to the "Survey on the Revitalization of Local Traditional Manufacturing Industries" published by the Development Bank of Japan in 2018, Japan's traditional arts and crafts industry peaked around 1980. Due to the recession caused by the burst of the bubble economy, the rise of inexpensive foreign products, and changes in lifestyle, the amount of production has been declining year by year. Compared with the peak period, current production has dropped to one-fifth or about 100 billion yen. The workers involved in traditional crafts are also aging, making it difficult to pass on their skills to younger creators. On Behance, users can not only get inspiration from other people's work but can also publish their own works and receive helpful feedback and comments. Marketing professionals also use Behance to find creators for campaigns and collaborations, and previously, a Japanese creator who had uploaded his work to the social media site was asked to illustrate the cover of the New York Times.
This project is designed to promote traditional Japanese arts and crafts in the hopes of supporting their continued development in the face of many difficult conditions. -
Fans of Doraemon and traditional Japanese artwork won’t want to miss this special collaboration! On March 30, preorders will open for ukiyo-e prints inspired by the film ‘Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars 2021.’ These limited-edition pieces were created by Iwano Ichibei, a Living National Treasure. The prints show Doraemon and friends along with the alien Papi and the special gadget the “Small Light.” The tool is giving off light depicted in a traditional Edo pattern believed to bring good luck, and the characters are shown inside its silhouette.
Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Production
Engraving by CraftsmanPrinting by Craftsman First, a sketch is made, and a monochrome version of the print is carved. After carving a number of woodblocks for each color and using them to rub the painting tirelessly to bring it to life, one single woodblock print is completed. The extremely delicate and advanced techniques these craftsmen utilize have been passed down from the Edo period. Imagine having one of these beautiful pieces hanging in your home! Information
‘Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars 2021’ Commemorative Ukiyo-e Prints
Preorders Open: March 30, 2022
Price: ¥33,000 (Excluding Tax and Shipping Charges)Quantity: 300
Painter: Living National Treasure Iwano Ichibei
Online Shop: http://ukiyoework.com/ -
Artist Maki Ohkojima is inspired by life and the environment. UpcycleLino is creating completely recyclable products that produce zero waste. It makes sense that these two would collaborate, and their new items ask people to think more about their relationship with nature. With a theme of ‘circulation,’ these items will be on sale at participating shops around Japan and online.
UpcycleLino × MANDALĀJU Big Band Collared Shirt
UpcycleLino × MANDALĀJU Sketched Tote Bag
UpcycleLino × MANDALĀJU Scarf
The ‘Tree of Life’ project is inspired by the theme of coexistence between the environment and all living things. It is important to protect limited resources for future generations. UpcycleLino is a completely sustainable company, using fabric scraps from other projects to create brand new clothes. People, animals, insects, plants, and all other living things exist in the circle of life, and this is the message conveyed through Maki Ohkojima’s art. What can we do to better coexist with the planet? ©角川武蔵野ミュージアムInformation
Kadokawa Musashino Museum ‘Maki Ohkojima Art Exhibition – Perforated Spiral’
Date: October 8, 2021 ~
Address: Kadokawa Musashino Museum (3-31-3 Higashi Tokorozawa, Saitama)
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 10:00-18:00 (Last Entry at 17:30) / Friday, Saturday: 10:00-20:00 (Last Entry at 19:30)
Official Site: https://kadcul.com/
Collaboration Items
October 8, 2021~
Where to Buy:
Kadokawa Musashino Museum Shop
nest Robe: https://store.nestrobe.com/nestrobe/ / CONFECT Online Shop and the following shop locations: Omotesando, Ginza, KITTE Marunouchi, Takasaki, Umeda, Kyoto, Nagoya, Okayama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Osaka Takashimaya
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Sendai PARCO will begin a 10-day event focusing on the idea of sustainability starting September 17 and concluding September 26, 2021. ‘Love Earth, Love Us’ will highlight sustainability-related products and services available at the shops within Sendai PARCO, and a web page has already been opened to get people thinking about this important subject. Those purchasing or using any of these products and services will receive certain added bonuses, as a way to raise awareness and give back to those making an effort to support the health of the planet. The main visual used in promoting the event was drawn by Toshiya Nakashima, and depicts Mount Vinicunca in Peru, often called Rainbow Mountain. The drawing was commissioned by Heralbony, an art gallery featuring pieces by those with intellectual disabilities, who will also hold a limited-time pop-up shop inside Sendai PARCO during the event. The shop will sell unique items, including hand towels featuring this gorgeous portrait of Rainbow Mountain, so don’t miss out!
Information
Love Earth, Love Us at Sendai PARCO
Campaign Period: September 17-26, 2021
Details: https://sendai.parco.jp/page/sustainability/
Official Site: https://sendai.parco.jp/
Heralbony Pop-Up Shop
Running: September 17-19, 2021
Location: PARCO 2/2F Special Venue