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Japanese handcrafted baskets
Part III

May 08, 2018 | Event 

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Japanese handicrafts made with natural raw materials embody our appreciation, awe and respect for nature. 

They also reflect the traditional Japanese satoyama lifestyle in which people live in harmony with nature. (A satoyama is a farming community (sato) on the border of a forest (yama). 

The forest is sustainably managed by sato residents as a living resource.)

In satoyama living, the art of handcrafting passes along from generation to generation, producing practical and useful objects that provide insights into a life lived close to nature. 

  

For this exhibition, we sourced handcrafted baskets by visiting craftspeople throughout Japan, from the Akita region in the north to Okinawa in the south. 

The rustic beauty of each work is unique and representative of the region where it is crafted.

 

 

Akebi vine circular basket, flat-bottomed basket and basket, Akita Prefecture

Itaya kaede (maple) basket, Akita Prefecture

Wild grapevine basket and document tray, Akita Prefecture

Japanese wingnut tree large basket, document tray and accessories tray, Akita Prefecture

Shinodake and moutain cherry tree basket, Miyagi Prefecture

Japanese bird cherry palm winnow, Niigata Prefecture

Keyaki basket, bathroom basket, Niigata Prefecture

Wild grapevine whetstone basket, Niigata Prefecture

Walnut tree basket, Niigata Prefecture

Akebi vine waisted basket,  Niigata Prefecture

Madake fugo, Biwa basket, herb-gathering basket, large basket and bathroom basket, Chiba Prefecture

Medake palm, Chiba Prefecture

Nemagaridake apple basket and vegetable basket, Nagano Prefecture

Hanon bamboo clothes basket and shopping basket, Nagasaki Prefecture

Madake drawing rice basket, Kumamoto Prefecture

Kinchiku and mountain cherry tree winnow, Kagoshima Prefecture

Hedge bamboosa basket, Okinawa Prefecture

Toutsurumodoki harvest basket, Okinawa Prefecture

Shell ginger rope shoulder basket, Okinawa Prefecture

Lamie rope basket, Okinawa Prefecture

etc.

 

 

Exhibition period:

May 19 − June 3, 2018

 

Place:

Center for COSMIC WONDER

5-18-10 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

T. +81 (0)3 5774 6866

Open 11am – 7pm

 

Special event:

To commemorate the opening of the exhibition, Mr. Shinichi Nakagawara will give a demonstration of traditional Akebi vine basketwork on the 19th and 20th of May.

 

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Shigeo Tanaka
Hisui Kashihate

Apr 07, 2018 | Event 

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Hakuji Kashihate wrapped in the dew of Hisui.

As a daily ritual that faces our own divinity

 

Following “The ceramics” of the last year, we are pleased to present Shigeo Tanaka’s “Hisui Kashihate” exhibition at Center for COSMIC WONDER.

He live an old house of 280 years old in Asuka village, Nara Prefecture, maiking from a Hole type kiln “Rikei gama” and “Touen-shiki Takigama.

 

We will present “Kashihate” wishes of Shigeo Tanaka’s action on divinity and spirituality.

 

 

Exhibition period:

April 28 – May 6 ,2018

*The artist will be attending on April 28 and 29

 

Place:

Center for COSMIC WONDER

5-18-10 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

T. +81 (0)3 5774 6866

Open 11am – 7pm

*Closed: April 27

 

 

Opening Event

Saryo Biwa”Ryugu Kashihate” of Nao Uekusa opens at Center for COSMIC WONDER only for day.

 

Date:

Saturday, April 28 / 11:30am, 1:30pm / 3,500 JPY

Number of seats: 4 in each time / Reached the fixed number.

 

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COSMIC WONDER
Yama-Nokoromo and Umi-Hagoromo

Mar 06, 2018 | Event 

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The collection is composed of exploration of various Japan and ancient national costume,

combining the construction of modern clothes “Yama-Nokoromo and Umi-Hagoromo”.

 

The future and past give us their layers light.

 

 

We are pleased to present “Yama-Nokoromo and Umi-Hagoromo” exhibition.

Yama-Nokoromo Linen suits and Hemp Sashiko Koromo, Umi-Hagoromo Four lights koromo and Ryukyu koromo, Jade koromo from Gardenia blue herbal dyed etc.

 

Yama-Nokoromo and Umi-Hagoromo items are now available at the Center for COSMIC WONDER.

Specially-prepared items: Ramie bag, Tanba-fu Haori Jacket and small article

 

 

Opening reception:

Saturday, March 24 / 4pm − 6pm

 

Place:

Center for COSMIC WONDER

5-18-10 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

T. +81 (0)3 5774 6866

Open 11am – 7pm

*Closed: March 12 − 15

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For Spring Festival anniversary
A tea room “Biwa”

Feb 05, 2018 | Event 

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New Souls

Brilliant universal sounds

All lights and Souls are crossing to sit around the beautiful fire

- Center for COSMIC WONDER

 

A tea room “Biwa” of food lover Nao Uekusa opens at Center for COSMIC WONDER only for day on Spring Festival and New moon

 

 

Menu:

Sweets plate for Spring Festival anniversary

with Hot Drink

1,600JPY

 

Date:

Friday, February 16 / 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm

Number of seats: 4 in each time / Reached the fixed number.

 

Place:

Center for COSMIC WONDER

5-18-10 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

T. +81 (0)3 5774 6866

Open 11am – 7pm

 

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Kaoru Yokoo
A Organic Universe

Dec 04, 2017 | Event 

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Even if I repair it

There being the clothes which I want to wear happy

Even if I repair it

The person who made clothes letting you wear it is happy again

Quietly, I do the work that is honor to join the meantime together.

 

From “Rectification more” Kaoru Yokoo

 

 

Exhibition period:

December 16 – December 24, 2017

The artist will be attending on December 16.

We sell cookies of “Yokoo” during this exhibition.

 

Place:

Center for COSMIC WONDER

5-18-10 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

T. +81 (0)3 5774 6866

Open 11am – 7pm

 

 

Opening Event

A tea room “Biwa” of food lover Nao Uekusa opens at Center for COSMIC WONDER only for day.

 

Date:

Saturday, December 16 / 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5:30pm

Number of seats: 4 in each time / Reached the fixed number.

 

 

New Project

“Kibou”

 

Kaoru Yokoo repair your CW’s clothes.

The first 5 people will be accepted. Reached the fixed number.

 

 

Kaoru Yokoo

1979 Born in Tokyo

2005~ Set up atelier in Kichijoji

Active mainly on rectification by handwork such as embroidery or the crochet.

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Masaru Kawai
The scent of wood

Nov 07, 2017 | Event 

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The Japanese coniferous fragrance has been respected from ancient times by people.

However, in the latest research, the fragrance of the tree has begun to know that it was a communication tool that is words.

Light of the land which grew up, wind, water, soil and relationship with around of trees.

An animals, an insect and the relation with bacteria, it is sublimated to a fragrance.

What does the human being listen to the words with?

I think that it is an opportunity to listen carefully calmly.

Masaru Kawai

 

 

Trees take the communication by a scent each other.

Following “Chairs” of the last year, a new point of view and a new work by the technique.

 

We hold a tour to follow the trees of forest in Tokyo by the guide Yutaka Miura on November 25.

 

 

Exhibition period:

November 25 – December 3, 2017

The artist will be attending on November 25.

*Closed: November 11 − 12, November 24

 

Place:

Center for COSMIC WONDER

5-18-10 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

T. +81 (0)3 5774 6866

Open 11am – 7pm

*Open from 12pm on 25th.

 

Opening reception :

Saturday, November 25 / 4pm − 6pm

 

 

“Tour to follow the trees of forest in Tokyo” by the guide Yutaka Miura

Date: Saturday, November 25

9am − 12am / Number of seats: 15

1pm − 4pm / Number of seats: 15

Fee: 2,000yen

Apply in e-mail. Send your name, telephone number to the following address.

event@cosmicwonder.com

 

 

Masaru Kawai

1979 Born in Gifu Prefecture, farmer

2007~ Active as wood craft artist

2016 Start from “SOMA” product treating a Japanese conifer

Planning a workshop and fieldwork of connect forest and person.

http://kawai-masaru.com

 

Yutaka Miura

1977 Born in Kyoto

Graduated from the College of Art, Nihon University.

Active as a guide of the forests in Japan.

2016 “View of tree” was published from Mishima sha.

Update blog “forest forest” three times a week.

http://www.niwatomori.com

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COSMIC WONDER
Ryugu Koromo from Genshi-no-Nuno

Oct 04, 2017 | Event 

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Photography by Takashi Homma

 

COSMIC WONDER “Ryugu Koromo from Genshi-no-Nuno” collection event will go on a tour to the following region.

 

Schedule:

STARDUST, Kyoto 10/14 − 22 *10/14: Public talk & concert

KAGURE, Marunouchi 10/27 − 11/5

PENNY RAIN, Kiryu 10/27 − 11/5

ANTENNE DEUX, Takasaki 10/27 − 11/5

OU, Nagoya 11/15 − 20

EIGHTY 88 EIGHT, Ayagawa 11/23 − 27

ARCHIPELAGO, Sasayama 12/2 − 11

MM BOOKS MINO, Mino 12/9 − 17 *12/9: Public talk

ROYALSKOOL, Hakodate 12/16 − 24

CITE’, Hiroshima 12/22 − 1/8

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TAMPA
Yama-Umi trees and grasses

Sep 26, 2017 | Event 

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impression traveled across the continent to Japan

the eastern culture flowered and walked a new path in the island

a beautiful sunrise in the land of Tamba

TAMPA a visionary shop by Hakuden, Light and Will, COSMIC WONDER

 

 

Kogei Punks Sha will display Tamba’s trees and grasses on the opening day.

 

Hakuden

Tamba-fu skirt

Tamba letter paper

Tamba funsei tea bowl

Tamba cray pot

Andong cloth Apron

Trees and grasses pouched bag – Linden, Hemp, Paper

 

Light and Will

Akebi vine basket

Wild grapevine travel basket

Japanese wingnut document basket

Shinodake and moutain cherry tree basket

Carved Hexagon on the end handle of broad‐leaved tree kitchen knife  

Mountain cherry tree lamp shade

Keyaki cheir

 

COSMIC WONDER

Tamba-fu and Shironameshi wallet

Jadoshi and Tamba-fu kamiko

Tamba-fu and Hemp hand bag

Jadoshi tsuno-bukuro

Lamie tabi

Linen koromo for winter

 

 

Exhibition period:

October 21 – October 29, 2017

*Closed: October 20

 

Place:

Center for COSMIC WONDER

5-18-10 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

T. +81 (0)3 5774 6866

Open 11am – 7pm

 

Opening reception:

Saturday, October 21, 2017 / 2pm – 5pm

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KAMI
COSMIC WONDER with Kogei Punks Sha

Aug 12, 2017 | Event 

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We are pleased to announce that it will hold the exhibition “Kami” by COSMIC WONDER with Kogei Punks Sha at SHISEIDO GALLERY from Tuesday, August 29 to Sunday, October 22, 2017.

 

The theme of this current exhibition is “paper” (kami), a material very close to many people’s daily lives. Specifically, it explores the possibilities of hand-crafted Japanese paper (washi) made using only natural materials. To bring forth the deep appeal of such paper, Kogei Punks Sha has focused on “water,” a substance not only basic to life but also indispensable in making washi. They propose the concept of “omizue” (water ceremony), a ritual act inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony and involving the sprinkling of boiled water as an offering of gratitude for the blessings of nature. “Kami” is also a homonym with a Japanese word for “god” or “the divine,” and so the exhibition title carries this meaning as well.

 

This exhibition features items and craft works prepared for and inspired by the omizue ritual. These include the kamikoromo (paper garments) made by Cosmic Wonder to be worn by the ritual’s host and assistants, earthenware by Naoto Ishii, wooden implements by Masaru Kawai, and washi by Seigi Nishida and Makoto Sasaki. All these were made in the image of the Jomon era, one of the earliest sources of Japanese culture.

 

This exhibition reconstructs the exhibition “Omizue — Iwamino-Kamito-Mizu” originally shown last year at the Iwami Art Museum in Shimane prefecture, with the addition of new works created by Karatsu papermaker Takeharu Maeda. Taking cues from the very earliest papermaking techniques, Maeda used hemp fibers as the basic raw material, combined with fibers of hamagō (a fragrant beach plant also used as a medicine) to explore new possibilities in paper. Made from such natural materials and produced using ancient handcrafting techniques, such works take on an ancient feel that refines our five senses and calls to mind the peculiarly Japanese sensibility and deep wisdom of “looking at that which can’t be seen.”

 

 

Exhibition period:

August 29  – October 22, 2017

 

Place:

SHISEIDO GALLERY (Admission is Free)

Ginza Shiseido Building B1F, 8-8-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061

Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 (11:00 – 18:00 Sundays and holidays)

Closed: Mondays

 

Organized by Shiseido Co., Ltd.

 

Opening reception: Concert of Akio Suzuki (Sound artist) on 29 August

During an exhibition: Talk show with Yukinori Maeda and Sumiko Ishii from Kogei Punks Sha

See the SHISEIDO GALLERY website at for details.

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COSMIC WONDER
Ryugu Koromo Genshi-no-Nuno

Aug 04, 2017 | Event 

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Photography by Takashi Homma

 

We were pleasure to hold the 20th anniversary performance “Ryugu koromo Genshi-no-Nuno” at Center for COSMIC WONDER on March 19, 2017.An atelier of Miyama was appeared for performance, Genshi-fu (Antique bast-fiber textiles, usually called primitive textiles), Washi (Japanese hand crafted paper), Koromo are composed of Natural material, “Noren” (Japanese curtain) and Craft tools. We held Film Screening “Ryugu Koromo Genshi-no-Nuno” by Takashi Homma.

 

To mark the release of this new collection “Ryugu koromo from Genshi-no-Nuno”.

Collarless trench coat, Wool and linen koromo, Shetland wool and linen koromo, Pojagi apron and shawl, Organic cotton denim Monpe pants

 

People have made threads and materials out of various trees and grasses.

A wonder from ancient times and new spirit.

Light years.

 

Exhibition period:

August 11 – September 10, 2017

*Closed: August 14 – 16

 

Place:

Center for COSMIC WONDER

5-18-10 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

T. +81 (0)3 5774 6866

Open 11am – 7pm

 

Opening reception:

Friday, August 11, 2017 / 2pm – 5pm

Yukinori Maeda, contemporary artist and founder of COSMIC WONDER, will be attending at the reception.

Original sweet (Higashi) will be served during the reception. (Making from Kousagisha, Kyoto)

 

“Ryugu Koromo Genshi-no-Nuno”

Film screening: 5:30pm − 7pm (3min. 32sec)

Filming / Editing: Takashi Homma

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Takashi Ichikawa
Chaguruma

May 26, 2017 | Event 

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At Center for COSMIC WONDER, we are pleased to present Takashi Ichikawa’s “Chaguruma” (tea cart) exhibition.

 

For his participation in the collective exhibition held at the Wachi-yama Nogusa-no-mori in Kyotanba, Kyoto, Ichikawa created “Chaguruma No.1 a collection of tea ceremony tools to be carried to the fields and the forest. Since then he has created tea carts for various occasions, with “Chaguruma No.5” meeting its completion this year.

Amidst such course of events, he has also introduced works such as “Cha-rry (carry)” that takes a form similar to a trunk, and “Cha-unter (counter)” a counter that can be carried on one’s back.

These works are presented in various locations from Kyoto, Sendai, Taipei, Beijing, Yunnan, Wuhan, Xi’an and Inner Mongolia, where unique moments of tea are respectively held.

On the occasion of this exhibition, we will present works centering on Ichikawa’s “Chaguruma” including “Cha-rry” and “Cha-unter.”  Also throughout the duration of the exhibition, teaware made by Ichikawa will be available for purchase.

 

We look forward to welcoming visitors with the Chaguruma that resonates with the scene of ancient tea fields and the spirit of our present day as a means to reawaken our mind and senses.

 

Exhibition period:

June 10 – June 18, 2017

*Closed on June 9

*The artist will be attending on June 10

 

Opening reception:

Saturday, June 10 / 11am, 2pm, 4pm

As a celebration for the opening of the exhibition, Takashi Ichikawa will held “Chaguruma (tea cart)” with served Higashi by Kousagisha, Kyoto.

 

Place:

Center for COSMIC WONDER

5-18-10 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

T. +81 (0)3 5774 6866

Open 11am – 7pm

 

 

Tea Cart and Teaware

 In 2007 I met 李曙韻 (Mr. Lee) and became acquainted with Taiwanese tea. I was fascinated by the fragrant scent of Taiwanese tea, and through the beauty and freeness of Mr. Lee’s tea, had come to witness a new world of tea. Thereafter when Mr. Lee had moved the base of his activities to Beijing, I had the opportunity to encounter Chinese tea. The tea from the continent embodied a sense of richness, and was wealthy in variety. Learning about the profoundness of tea through the history of its culture such as its consideration as food, medicine, and connections to Zen and dissemination throughout the world, I found myself becoming more and more enticed by the appeal of tea. The creation of teaware is a difficult task. Nevertheless, the way one relates to tea through making its tools is indeed interesting, and I find it rewarding to think about tools from the practice of brewing tea.

When I encounter palatable tea I feel the urge to visit the place where it was cultivated. In time I had developed the desire to go to Xishuangbanna (Yunnan province) that is recognized as a place that produces enticingly tasteful tea in hopes to also encounter ancient tea trees. Thereafter I was granted the opportunity to visit an ancient tea tree that is over one thousand years old. The ancient tree had born very large tea leaves, standing tall high above one’s head. It was clearly different to any tea tree I knew. Observing the way it grew amidst the wilderness of the mountain, I channeled my awareness towards the long extending roots and rays of the sun that streamed upon it. The art of the tea ceremony was born amidst the history of tea, yet by sensing the presence of this ancient tree (the origins of tea), I was able to emotionally engage with “tea” in a different sense of mind. I am also very attracted to and interested in the aspects surrounding tea and its relationship with the moon (seasons), fire (sun), water (body), tree (leaves, roots), gold (day), earth (ceramics).

While developing my hopes of communicating the appeal of tea to many people through its tools, I had come to gain an interest in the “Song Dynasty Tea Ceremony Diagram” and the many images that I saw at the Hangzhou Tea Museum in China, which depicted literates enjoying tea outside. From these images I could discern people “seemingly carrying something curious” that looked different to tea boxes used in tea ceremonies, and through this experience I strongly realized this too, was one of the ways of enjoying one’s time with tea.

 

Takashi Ichikawa

 

1967  Born in Shiga Prefecture

          Studied sculpture at university

1993  Worked at Furuya Pottery (Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture)

1997  Apprenticeship under Mr. Nariyoshi Morioka (Wakayama Prefecture)

1999  Built a down-draft firewood kiln and a kerosene kiln

2000  Held a series of solo exhibitions throughout Japan

          Built a firewood climbing kiln and a charcoal kiln

2008  Held solo exhibitions in 人澹如菊茶書院 (Taiwan)

          台北茶家十職(Taiwan), 北京茶家十職 (China)

          He is involved in activities such as “Chakakigoto” and “Chaiyuuki.”

 

Translation by Kei Benger

 

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Photography by Takashi Ichikawa

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COSMIC WONDER with Kogei Punks Sha
“Omizue Iwamino-Kamito-Mizu” Film Screening

May 22, 2017 | Event 

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To mark the release of “Omizue Iwamino-Kamito-Mizu” a new publication from Iwami Art Museum , we are pleased to present film Screening of performance “Omizue”and “Preparations for the Omizue”.

It is our hope to provide a glimpse into this moment through the images within this beautiful films.

 

 

“Preparations for the Omizue”:8mm film (17 minutes)

Filming: Yukinori Maeda

Editing: Fumitaka Kato

 

Omizue”:8mm film (14 minutes)

Filming / Editing: Fumitaka Kato

 

Date:

May 22  − June 8, 2017

5:30pm − 7pm

 

Place:

Center for COSMIC WONDER

5-18-10 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

T. +81 (0)3 5774 6866

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