Kogei Art KYOTO
Artists presented by Kogei Art KYOTO
About the Gallery
Kogei Art KYOTO is operated by the KARAFUNEYA Co. Ltd. printing company, which boasts a history of over 100 years in Kyoto.
Under the concept of the Japonism of Beauty, this EC site is addressed to overseas art lovers, which is why the site is provided in English. It features 50 Kogei artworks of 10 artists from the Kyoto Kogei Association.
These artworks are available for purchase.
On our official EC site pages(kogeiart.kyoto.jp), information is also provided to introduce the appeal of Kogei art from various angles. This includes videos that show the artists working and provide messages from them in ceramics, dyeing, lacquer, dolls, and cut gold leaf.
Another major feature of our EC website is that all works of art are issued NFT blockchain certificates.
KARAFUNEYA Co. Ltd. serves as the handler for NFT certificates on Startrail operated by Startbahn, Inc. which allows us to issue and manage these certificates. This not only lets you prove the authenticity of the artwork but also protected the wider value of the artwork with benefits for both the artist and the buyer.
Artistic line
What is Kogei Art?
"Kogei art" indicates a diverse range of traditional Japanese genres from dyeing and weaving to ceramics, lacquerware, metalwork, dolls, cut gold leaf, woodwork, and glass art. These were developed through a reverence for Japanese culture as expressed through the spirit of elegance, compassion, and good taste, as well as the concepts of wabi and sabi, which are embodied in Buddhism, Sado (the tea ceremony), Kado (flower arranging), Kodo (the incense ceremony), and other traditional pursuits.
The term is generally used for one-of-a-kind artworks.
Kogei art emphasizes the value of materials and techniques, sometimes lavishly using very expensive and rare materials. The artworks created by Kogei artists represent sophisticated techniques passed down from generation to generation that are fused with modern sensitivities.
In today's world of AI and digital technology, Kogei art is the antithesis that emerges from the abilities of the human hand, mind, and spirit.
Opening Hours
24 hours (online)
Call for entries (Artists)
The gallery does not accept artists's applications.
Activity on ArtMajeur
Latest News
All the latest news from contemporary artist Kogei Art KYOTO
“Kyoto-no-Shinise” (Kyoto Company Century Club) Award
“Kyoto-no-Shinise” (Kyoto Company Century Club) Award Commemorative pl
Karafuneya, the parent company of Kogei Art KYOTO, has received the “Kyoto-no-Shinise” (Kyoto Company Century Club)Award 2024 from the Kyoto Prefectural Government for being a company that has “strictly adhered to the principles of its family business for over 100 years in the same industry within the prefecture, and has become a model for other companies by passing on traditional techniques and business methods”.
Karafuneya was established as a printing company in 1921.
For almost 100 years since then, we have been doing business with customers all over Japan, mainly in Kyoto, through the printing business.
For more information, please see https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/about/.
“Kyoto-no-Shinise” (Kyoto Company Century Club) Award Certificate of Commendation
About the Kyoto Company Century Club Awards
Since 1968, Kyoto Prefecture has presented the Kyoto Company Century Club Awards to over 2,000 companies.
The companies that have received awards are members of “Kyoto-Shinise no kai” (the Kyoto Company Century Club), which works “to effectively utilize the unique management assets of long-established Kyoto companies, strengthen their brand power, and revitalize the Kyoto regional economy.”
The awards ceremony was recently held, and Mr. Suzuki, the vice governor of Kyoto Prefecture, presented us with a commemorative plaque and a certificate of commendation.
Mr. Suzuki, the vice governor of Kyoto Prefecture, and Horio, the fourth president of KARAFUNEYA Co. Ltd.
We will continue to protect our original printing business and work hard to develop our new business of selling Kogei artworks.
Kuroda Tatsuaki Exhibition: A Journey Through Wood, Lacquer and mother-of-Pearl – A Review of the Exhibition
I went to see the “120th Anniversary of His Birth: Living National Treasure Kuroda Tatsuaki: A Journey of Wood, Lacquer and Raden” exhibition, which opened at The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, on 17th December 2024.
Kuroda Tatsuaki was a representative Japanese wood and lacquer master artisan born in Kyoto in 1904.
His father was a lacquerer who employed many craftsmen. Still, Tatsuaki questioned the common division of labor at the time. Throughout his life, he stuck to his stance as an “individual artist” who consistently undertook everything from design creation and base material production to decoration. He left a solid mark on the history of Japanese craft, being the first person in Japan to be certified as a holder of an important intangible cultural asset (living national treasure) for his woodwork techniques.
Click here to continue → https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-3052/
Happy New Year!
I look forward to working with you again this year.
On the last day of the New Year holiday, I went to the antique market at Toji Temple, which I've mentioned in my blog(https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-2193/).
It was early in the morning, but there were lots of visitors.
Notice of Year-End and New Year Holiday Closure
Kogei Art KYOTO will be closed from Sunday, December 29, 2024, to Sunday, January 5, 2025, for the year-end and New Year holidays.
From Monday, January 6, 2025, we will respond to inquiries received after 17:00 on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
＊All dates and times are in Japan Standard Time.
The “Kichirei-Kaomise-Kogyo(Annual Kabuki Performance)” at Kyoto Minami-za and the Appeal of Kabuki
The “Kichirei-Kaomise-Kogyo”, a seasonal event that announces the arrival of winter in Kyoto in December, is being held again this year at Minami-za. This event is a special performance where actors from both the east and west of Japan come together to perform both old and new masterpieces. The historic Minami-za stage, located near the Shijo Riverbank on the Kamo River, the birthplace of Kabuki, is the setting for Kabuki’s unique and spectacular world. This is a great opportunity for tourists and locals alike to come together and enjoy the full appeal of Kabuki.
This year, too, the main entrance to Minami-za is decorated with a sign written in black ink with the names of the actors appearing in the play, and the three-week performance began on December 1st.
Please click here to continue reading.
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https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-2987/
Tailor-made kogei tour for inbound tourists
We recently received an inquiry from a Belgian customer who had seen the Kogei Art KYOTO website via a Japanese travel agency and wanted to interact with artists and appreciate their works during their trip. As the customer's travel itinerary was already fixed, it wasn't easy to coordinate a schedule. Still, thanks to the cooperation of one of the Kogei Art KYOTO artists, Ms. Toki Haneda, we took seven customers to her studio.
At the studio, Ms. Haneda explained about her Yuzen-dyed kimono works, and we spent about an hour watching the actual production process and touching the works.
After that, we also showed them the works of other artists at our gallery. Kogei Art KYOTO also offers optional tours for inbound customers, where you can interact with artists and appreciate their works. If there are any artists or works you would like to see, please feel free to let us know. We will do our best to set up a tour that meets your needs. Please contact us using the mail
Mail▶mail@kogeiart.kyoto.jp
We also look forward to hearing from travel agencies, tour conductors, and hotel staff.
Night Walks in Kyoto in Autumn
Kyoto is now in the height of the fall foliage season, and many tourists from inside and outside of the country are visiting Kyoto.
One of the most popular attractions among these tourists is the special nighttime viewing and lighting up of shrines and temples.
Among them, I went for a night walk to see the illumination of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, which attracts many visitors every time I visit the temple.
On the way to Kiyomizu-Dera Temple on foot from my house, I passed by the Minami-za Theater, the birthplace of Kabuki. I came across a Maneki-age in preparation for the Kabuki “Kichirei-Kaomise”(*) performance that will begin on December 1.
A Maneki is a signboard in front of a theater with the names of the actors who will appear during the performance.
This Maneki-age is also one of the most popular winter scenic features in Kyoto.
Manekiage” work at Kyoto Minami-za Theater
Further along the walk, the five-story pagoda of Hokanji Temple came into view. It is commonly known as “Yasaka-no-to” (Yasaka Pagoda).
Hokanji Temple Yasaka-no-to (Pagoda of Yasaka)
Further up the hill, the illuminated Niomon Gate, Nishimon Gate, and the three-story pagoda of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple came into view.
The area around the famous “stage” of the main hall was so crowded that we could hardly move.
Niomon Gate, Nishimon Gate, and the Three-story Pagoda of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple Illuminated
Although it was very crowded, the autumn foliage was at its peak, and the illumination combined with the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple buildings created a fantastic atmosphere, making it an enjoyable evening stroll.
* Kabuki’s Kaomise Performance is a traditional kabuki event held annually at the Minamiza Theater in Kyoto, Japan.
The event celebrates the opening of a new theatrical year and is held annually in December. Here, new actors and performances are unveiled.
The Kichirei-Kaomise Performance began in the Edo period (1603-1867) and is an important event in the history and culture of Kabuki, which is still carried on today. Traditional costumes, spectacular stage sets, and unique acting styles leave a deep impression on the audience. It is popular among many tourists as a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese performing arts.
The Kiyomizu-yaki Pottery Village Festival 2024
The Kiyomizu-yaki Pottery Village(Kiyomizuyaki-no-sato) Festival was held over three days from Friday, October 18th, to Sunday, October 20th, at the Kiyomizu-yaki complex in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City.
Click here to continue → https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-2879/
Kogei Art KYOT0 Artists – Report on Autumn 2024 Exhibition – PART 3
Following up on Part 1 with Ryozo Shibata and Koken Murata and Part 2 with Makimasa Imai, this week I visited the solo exhibition of Yoko Kamitani, a dyeing artist.
Yoko Kamitani – Indigo Dyeing Exhibition
A solo exhibition of indigo dyeing artist Yoko Kamitani was held at a historic kimono trading company exhibition hall, ‘Genso-an,’ in the center of Kyoto.
The venue was a traditional Kyoto townhouse-style building that was built in the Meiji era and has been repeatedly extended since then, Kamitani’s works looked great in the venue, which still retains its old-fashioned atmosphere.
In addition to her representative tapestries, there were also many small items on display, including scarves, table mats, bags, and panel works.
Kogei Art KYOT0 Artists – Report on the Autumn 2024 Exhibition – PART 2
Continuing from last week’s article, we will report on the exhibitions in which the artists exhibiting at Kogei Art KYOTO are participating.
Click here to continue → https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-2909/
Kogei Art KYOT0 Artists – Report on the Autumn 2024 Exhibition
As October begins, Kyoto City is packed with various art events.
Several exhibitions are also being held by artists exhibiting at Kogei Art KYOT0.
In this article, we will report on the solo exhibitions of Ryozo Shibata and Koken Murata.
Click here to continue → https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-2866/
Gucci Meets Japanese Art: “Gucci Cosmos” Exhibition in Kyoto
From October 1st to December 1st, an exhibition is being held at the Kyocera Museum of Art in Kyoto City to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the arrival in Japan of the world-famous fashion brand “Gucci”.
Click here to continue → https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-2841/
Pop-up Store Opening Announcement
The pop-up store for Kogei Art KYOTO -Life-, a sub-label of Kogei Art KYOTO, will open for a limited time from 9 pm (Japan time) on Tuesday, October 15th.
In addition to displaying and selling all the works currently on sale at the Kogei Art KYOTO -Life- online shop, we will also display several works from Kogei Art KYOTO.
Click here to continue → https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-2814/
The Art of Urushi – Lacquer and Its Timeless Allure
What is Urushi?
Urushi is a natural sap from the urushi tree, primarily in Japan, China, and the Korean peninsula. This sap changes when exposed to air and moisture, hardening into a durable, glossy coating.
It has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries, partly because Japan’s climate is just right for this phenomenon.
Click here to continue → https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-1909/
“Daruma Dolls: Unraveling the Charm of Traditional Japanese Symbols”
Click here to continue → https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-1900/
The Moon in Japanese Culture: Traditions, Legends, and Landmarks
The Mid-Autumn Moon(the Tyusyu-no-Meigetsu) and Tsukimi: Japan’s Moon-Viewing Tradition
The Mid-Autumn Moon is the custom of viewing the Full Moon(the Jyugo-Ya) which is the moon rising on the night of August 15 of the lunar calendar,
According to the lunar calendar, autumn is from July to September, and August 15, which falls in the middle of July to September, is called “Mid-Autumn.
The moon rising on August 15 is considered particularly beautiful and is called “Mid-Autumn Moon.
Since the current solar calendar is based on the solar calendar, the date of the Mid-Autumn Moon changes every year
Click here to continue → https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-2763/
The Chrysanthemum and Japan: A Timeless Connection in the Days Leading to Choyo no Sekku
As the early days of September settle in, Japan prepares for Chōyō no Sekku (the Chrysanthemum Festival), one of its five traditional seasonal celebrations. This festival, held on the ninth day of the ninth month, is a time to reflect on the beauty of chrysanthemums and their deep symbolism of longevity and good fortune. With the festival just around the corner, it’s the perfect moment to explore the enduring relationship between this iconic flower and Japanese culture. From ancient rituals to modern artistic expressions, chrysanthemums continue to bloom in Japan’s rich cultural landscape.
Click to continue → https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-2754/
We announce the opening of the new web store
Kogei Art KYOTO is pleased to announce the opening of our new web store.
https://kogeiartkyotolife.etsy.com
The name of the new site is “Kogei Art KYOTO -Life-”.
Kogei Art KYOTO introduces Kyoto's kogei artworks as fine art to be proud of the world.
In contrast, this store will feature “Life with Kogei”, a collection of “beauty for everyday use” pieces that can be integrated into everyday life.
Although these pieces are for everyday use, they are not mass-produced, and each piece is handmade.
We would like to offer a wide range of items, from those that have been used in daily life and nurtured in traditional Japanese culture such as the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and incense ceremony, to modern pieces that blend into contemporary life.
Please visit our web store as a gateway to the world of Kogei Art and to find a partner to enrich your daily life.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
“Exploring the Traditions of Obon: Kyoto’s Reverence for Ancestors in August”
Introduction
As August’s humid warmth envelops Kyoto, a serene transformation occurs. The city, already steeped in history and tradition, becomes even more reflective with the observance of Obon.
This annual event is not just a festival; it is a deeply spiritual time when families honor and remember the spirits of their ancestors.
Through the lens of Kyoto’s unique customs, let’s journey into the heart of Obon and discover its profound significance.
↓ Click here to continue
https://kogeiart.kyoto.jp/articles/post-2701/
Kyoto’s summer traditions: pottery festivals and antiquarian book fairs Part1
Mid-August marks the summer holiday season in Japan, known as the Obon holidays.
We will explain more about Obon in another blog post. Still, during this period, in addition to schools being on summer holiday, many companies and other businesses are also closed at the same time.
Here are two events held in Kyoto during the Obon holidays that are a bit geeky for overseas visitors to Japan.Gojo Wakamiya Pottery Festival
The first is the Gojo Wakamiya Pottery Festival, which usually takes place from 7-10 August.
This pottery festival has a long history and started around 1920.
At that time, there were many climbing kilns in the Gojo area, and Kiyomizu-yaki potteries and related workers were concentrated in the area.
Many people visited the nearby Rikudo-Jinno-ji Temple and Nishi Otani Mausoleum during the Obon period, so the market had its roots in the people who visited these temples.
The pottery festival was once forced to stop due to the Corona disaster, but it was revived last year as a summer tradition in Kyoto, mainly by young ceramic artists.
This year’s venue was located on the north side of Gojo Dori between Higashioji and Yamatooji, lined with tents of ceramic studios, potters, and shops selling food and drink.
It was particularly impressive to see the energetic participation of young potters.
One of the festival’s charms is its extended hours, running from 10 AM to 10 PM. Enjoying a stroll in the cool of the evening as the sun goes down is a summery way to enjoy Kyoto.
Continue to Part 2
