JAPAN HOUSE LOS ANGELES is proud to announce the exhibition “HIDA |
A WOODWORK TRADITION IN THE MAKING,” which brings Japanese woodcraft
from its spiritual homeland of the Hida region of Japan to LOS ANGELES
for the first time. On display from January 16 through April 12, the
exhibition invites visitors to discover the legendary craftsmen of
Hida and their design legacy today, embodied in the work of
century-old furniture maker Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd. Select items on
display include a chair designed by the late Sori Yanagi utilizing
wood-bending techniques native to Hida and part of the permanent
collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London; and a branch spoon
created by Ibuki Kaiyama utilizing a TRADITIONAL CHISELING TECHNIQUE.
Located in the center of the country in Gifu Prefecture, the Hida
region became known for its WOODWORKING TRADITIONS AND SKILLED
ARTISANS 1,300 years ago. This fame continues today through innovative
design and sustainable use of the region’s forests, particularly the
iconic cedar tree, in everything from contemporary furniture to
fragrant aroma oils. The furniture maker Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd was
founded in the region in 1920, and for nearly a hundred years has
prioritized four core principles: Forest, Human, Time and Craft.
Engaging all five senses, the exhibition guides visitors to experience
these themes for themselves: coexistence with the forest (Forest),
consideration of inherent human needs (Human), a legacy cultivated
through time (Time), and a continuous refinement of craft (Craft).
Displays will highlight regional specialties such as Hida-shunkei
lacquerware, Ichii wood carving (Ichii itto bori — Japanese yew
carving), and mageki (wood bending), as well as materials, prototypes,
and products developed by Hida Sangyo and its frequent collaborations
with some of the world’s top contemporary designers, such as Enzo
Mari and Sori Yanagi. The exhibition will also spotlight where
TRADITION MEETS TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, such as Hida Sangyo’s
revolutionary wood compression techniques with cedar. This sustainable
domestic wood is typically too soft for long-lasting furniture, but in
the Hida Sangyo factory, cedar is compressed and strengthened for use
in durable chairs, tables and flooring imbued with cedar’s subtle
scent. As a business leader, Hida Sangyo’s success has also
influenced a community of other manufacturers to stay in, or migrate
to, the Hida area, furthering the time-honored mastery of the
region’s woodcraft. For audiences passionate about craft heritage,
sustainable business, or a closer connection with our natural world,
“HIDA | A WOODWORK TRADITION IN THE MAKING” is not to be missed. A
series of events and workshops will also accompany the exhibition.
Stay tuned for announcements via our newsletter and website. For more
information on all programs, please visit
https://www.japanhouse.jp/losangeles
[https://www.japanhouse.jp/losangeles] Cost: Free - Categories: Art
Galleries & Exhibits This event repeats daily until April 12, 2020:
Jan 31 , Feb 1 , Feb 2
art
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09/04/2020 Last update