Boro (“rags” or “tatters”) are patchwork textiles hand-pieced by peasants in Japan in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The inability to cultivate cotton in the northern climate of Tohoku necessitated the practice of stitching remnants of used fabric into utilitarian items, including blankets, coats and mittens. These hard-used garments – reworked over generations – express essential principles of Japanese ethics and aesthetics, such as an appreciation for distinguished imperfections and the avoidance of waste.

For the first time in the U.S., this exhibition assembles over 50 archival pieces from the personal collection of folklorist and cultural anthropologist Chuzaburo Tanaka (1933–2013) presented alongside new portraits by editor-photographer Kyoichi Tsuzuki, designs by pioneers of Japanese avant-garde fashion Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and textile-based works by Susan Cianciolo and Christina Kim – part of a generation of contemporary artists influenced by the aesthetics and ethics of mending, patchwork, and re-use. The installation is designed by New York architecture firm SO–IL.

The SHOKUNIN Collection is a series of exhibitions, showcasing Japanese traditional arts and crafts made by shokunin (craftspeople). The first installment is organized by wuhao NY, tenugui (traditional Japanese towel) specialty shop, and Resobox, multi-purpose space introducing Japanese arts, food, and culture, and it will feature a century-old Japanese textile dyeing company Tomoe Senko based in Morioka in Iwate Precture. During the exhibition, tenugui, hikeshi hanten (traditional Japanese firefighter uniform), and other items, which were all hand-dyed by Tomoe’s shokunin, will be on view. Also, the fifth-generation head of the company, Mr. Makoto Tojo, will be making a special appearance during the event. 

Opening reception will be held on November 7, from 7 pm to 9pm, and attendees will receive a special gift, the Tomoe Senko exclusive “Three Most Famous Noodles” tenugui! The night will be glamorized by Nanbu Bijin sake, another specialty from Iwate Prefecture. (You can register the reception through Resobox website. Also, there will be tenugui hand-dyeing workshops on November 9, 17, and 24 ($40 for each session).

The youngest "dento kogeishi" (certified master of traditional fine crafts) of Beppu Bamboo Art, Takayuki Shimizu, is currently creating his bamboo arts as an artist in residence at J-Collabo in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Meet Shimizu and enjoy his works—baskets, accessories, ornaments and installation—at the exhibition from Aug. 30-Sept. 8. Exhibition hours are from 1-6pm and opening reception will be held on Aug. 31 from 4-6pm. Also held in this location is a 2-hour bamboo basket making workshop, offered on Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 7, and 8, from 2-4pm each day.

Anzu New York will present the 5th exhibition of works by Akio Nukaga, master ceramist based in Kasama, Japan. Known for the rustic, modern, and tactile style, his ceramic works are practical and beautiful. The exhibition will include his new “Design” and beloved “Everyday” pieces. Nukaga says “Design pieces are my new passion. I believe that my Everyday pieces are meant for daily use with joy. The most important part of my work is that people can enjoy the organic texture of soil and glaze.” Also shown at the exhibition are Nukaga’s signature lines, “Pleated Work”, “Black Au Noir”, and “Indigo” in addition to aforementioned series.

Anzu New York is a select shop introducing Japanese artisan-made lifestyle crafts. It also produces exhibitions and events to promote Japanese artists’ works.

12/13 Fri     5 pm - 8 pm (Opening reception)
12/14 Sat    11 am - 7 pm
12/15 Sun   12 pm - 6 pm
12/16 Mon   CLOSED
12/17 Tue   11 am - 7 pm
12/18 Wed 　11 am - 7 pm

At this workshop, try out the mesmerizing Japanese pottery-making technique of nerikomi. Stack and slice strips of colorful clay to reveal striking patterns, creating one-of-a-kind designs. Instructor Risa Nishimori of the NY Togei Kyoshitsu studio will lead guests through the process of creating their own unique pieces of nerikomi ceramic art. All materials included. Please note, finished products must be picked up from Japan Society after firing. 

Matcha specialty tearoom, Setsugekka, is holding a ceramic exhibition by Sawami Aoki. This is the second exhibition by the Brooklyn-based ceramic artist, and this time it features chaire, small jar containing koicha (thick tea) matcha powder used for tea ceremony. Her style is versatile, but chawan (tea bowl) with thick glaze is one of the well-known styles. She will also teach how to make kobukusa, silk cloth used in tea ceremony on December 8th. Souheki Mori, tea master and founder of Setsugekka, will have a koicha tea ceremony on December 15th. Registrations are required for the kobukusa-making workshop and tea ceremony through Setsugekka website.

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The exhibition “Tea Ware and New Beginnings” honors the beauty of tea ware and celebrates chanoyu (the way of tea) culture. Featuring ceramic arts by prominent potters, including Shiro Tsujimura, Yui Tsujimura, Kai Tsujimura, Ryota Aoki, and Kohei Nakamura, as well as lacquer-ware by Tohru Matsuzaki, bamboo arts by Hafu Matsumoto, and more, it presents these usable fine arts in a cozy, private room setting. This will be the last exhibition in the current location before moving to the new gallery in October.