1981-2021
Forty Years of Wood Crafts by Ryuji Mitani
October 15-29, 2021
Nalata Nalata is pleased to present our third exhibition of wood works by Ryuji Mitani. On the occasion of the artisan’s 40th career anniversary, we will be celebrating this tremendous achievement by showcasing a curation of works from the decades spanning collection. Rare pieces originating from the 80’s will be available as well as signed copies of his latest book that reflects on the significance of each piece.
Opening reception will be held on Friday, October 15th from 1:00pm – 7:00pm
The exhibition will run until October 29th (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
“By using wooden tableware, we become more familiar with the material. The more we touch wood, the more we like wood. So that when we go to the mountains, we might feel a more intimate connection to the landscape.” – Ryuji Mitani
In the early days of his career, Ryuji Mitani, born in 1952, began carving small wooden brooches in a small six-tatami condo unit to support his family. Simultaneously, he established a brand under the name of Persona Studio. By 1985, Mitani was at the forefront of the Seikatsu Kogei movement that linked crafts with daily living and with the help of his friends, founded the very first Matsumoto Craft Fair. It was during this time that he began making what he is renowned for today, wooden tableware. He continues to hand craft works for everyday life in his wood shop and lacquer studios in Matsumoto city.
View a recap of the event here.