Journal

In museums, the crafts most often celebrated have been grand pieces: imposing jars, large plates, matcha bowls, lacquer boxes inlaid with mother-of-pearl. They astonish with their technique and carry the weight of history. Of course, they deserve to be admired and spoken about. Yet when I looked around my own life, I realized how far away…

Ten years ago, we opened our doors on 2 Extra Place with a handful of pieces we loved and the hope that a gallery could also be a space for connection. Since then, we’ve grown slowly and steadily. Not chasing momentum, just following what felt right and…

Earth and Ember was a rare opportunity to experience Keisuke Iwata’s work in person, marking his first solo exhibition in America. The show brought together his anagama pieces alongside a broad collection of daily tableware, each reflecting the quiet depth of his craftsmanship…

When I first heard the term “Anagama,” I actually didn’t know what it was. It’s a wood-fired kiln used to fire pottery—that’s all I knew. I had also heard that the interaction between flames and ash creates unique expressions…

As a child, I followed Popeye’s example and ate plenty of spinach. In the town where I grew up, there were no telephone booths, so I would hide in the storeroom, imagining myself soaring…

In the quaint fisherman town of Fukutsu, Japan, nestled along the shoreline of the Sea of Japan, we had the rare opportunity to visit the home studio of the celebrated ceramic artist…

Setting up Casting Light was a thrilling challenge for us, as it involved showcasing over 35 pendant lights in a minimalist yet striking arrangement. Tobimatsu Toki joined us from Tokyo, personally assisting with the installation and attending…

As we eagerly anticipate the opening of Casting Light, the inaugural North American solo exhibition of Tobimatsu Toki at our gallery, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey that has brought us to this moment. Our encounter with founder Hirotaka Tobimatsu approximately a decade…

In the realm of art and craftsmanship, there are rare moments where friendship, passion, and creativity intertwine to create something truly special. Our collaboration with ceramic artist Dani Sujin Lee is one such moment—a heartfelt celebration of talent, friendship and the…