SIMON PILLING
My business deals in fine Japanese Art and specialising in urushi (Japanese lacquer) – from Japan’s pre-modern period through to the 21st-century. Particular emphasis, however, is placed on 20th-century artistic development and the work of contemporary artists, whose dedication ensures the continuation of Japan’s quintessential lacquer arts.
Simon Pilling
East Asian Art & Interiors
PO Box 834
Rickmansworth WD3 0RA
Simon Pilling
Phone +44 (0)7946 577303
Email simon@simonpilling.co.uk
Website www.simonpilling.co.uk
Kogei no bi: the beauty of craft
Japan is home to some of the most exceptional craftspeople of any nation in the modern world. Across a range of media their dedication to excellence is extraordinary. Their artworks are called kogei, a term that holds much greater artistic gravitas than the English translation of ‘craft’ might imply. The technical skills required are seen as essential to Japan’s cultural identity so that, uniquely, in the 1950s the Japanese government initiated the status of ‘Holder of Intangible Cultural Properties’ (colloquially known as Living National Treasures) for craftspeople who could preserve and pass these skills on to future generations.
20th century kogei pushed the boundaries, harnessing traditional skills to create Modern and Contemporary artworks of international importance. This exhibition contains kogei of a quality that has the power to enrich our everyday life. Each artwork has a story to tell, causing us to question the value distinctions made in the West between different artistic media.
During Asian Art London, 26 October – 1 November, exhibiting at:
Gallery 1, 4 Cromwell Place, London SW7 2JE
Late night opening:
Friday 27th: 11.00-20.00
Sunday 29 October: 11.00-16.00
Wednesday 1 November: 11.00-16.00
All other days: 11.00-19.00
DURING ASIAN ART WEEK
Exhibiting at:
Gallery 1, 4 Cromwell Place
London SW7 2JE