Author - Ryuji Mitani
At Home with Ryuji Mitani – Containers for Daily Life
For our Contained Vessels exhibition, we asked Ryuji Mitani to share his thoughts on the containers that accompany everyday life. His reflections remind us that daily rituals are shaped not by grand objects, but by small gestures such as pouring tea, serving breakfast, storing letters, keeping tools close at hand. Below, in his own words, are the intentions behind a selection of pieces…
Contained Vessels – Crafting Daily Rituals | Exhibition Opening Remarks
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…
Crafts, and Then – A Ryuji Mitani Book
For quite some time, handcrafting has existed as a form of self-expression. Utsuwa, however, was never an art form that could exist on its own, as a vessel cannot fulfill its role without both someone to cook and another to eat. Its final form emerges through connection, not just a one-way interaction.I’ve taken this text as an opportunity to reflect on and reconsider these vessels that exist…
Crafts, and Then | Exhibition Opening Remarks
On the occasion of the exhibition Crafts, and Then at Nalata Nalata – I have been creating vessels for use, so that they do not make too much of a statement. Half for serving food and half for the people who…
1981-2021 | Forty Year Timeline of Persona Studio
Stepping into Ryuji Mitani’s studio and home in Matsumoto for the first time was a profound experience for us. After observing an urushi demonstration, we had a chat…
1981-2021 | Exhibition Opening Remarks
Hello everyone in New York. It has been a long, difficult time due to COVID-19, but now I am happy to hear that people in New York are gradually returning to normal life, like enjoying…
Blurring Boundaries | Exhibition Statement
In this Journal entry, we present Part II of a two part guest series by Ryuji Mitani. View Part I here. As we eagerly anticipate our upcoming exhibition, Blurring…
What is Seikatsu Kogei?
Seikatsu Kogei is a Japanese term that has become part of our lexicon ever since we began working with some of the people at the forefront of this movement,…