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Editor's Column “The Path of Japanese Crafts” VOL.8

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We share a variety of information and perspectives on Japanese crafts, including exhibition information and interviews.
Editor's Column “The Path of Japanese Crafts” VOL.8
KOGEI Topics VOL.9
Featured Exhibitions & Events VOL.26
Featured Exhibitions & Events VOL.25
Shizuoka
Sep 1 – Oct 17, 2023
MOA MUSEUM OF ART
Sep 12 – Nov 26, 2023
Mitsui Memorial Museum
Sep 29 – Oct 29, 2023
ATELIER MUJI GINZA
Sep 30 – Nov 26, 2023
Tomo Museum of Art
A woodworker from Gifu Prefecture. Masaru Kawai studied architecture at university, and trained as a woodworker in Hida and upholstery in Kyoto before establishing his own workshop. Currently, he has set up his studio in his hometown of Mino. In addition to creating works that showcase the unique qualities of wood, such as furniture and tableware, he actively engages in activities to promote the Japanese aesthetic of wood and the charm of coniferous trees through his own brand “SOMA.”
This contemplation of the relationship between nature and humans, and the attitude towards forests in Japan, are not limited to woodworkers; they serve as a reflection of how one can live in harmony with trees. The serene and refreshing aura of these tranquil works captivates people, perhaps because they are imbued with the artist’s strong desire to encourage others to rediscover the allure of wood through these beautiful pieces.
Born in Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Graduated from Department of Architecture, Faculty of Arts, Kyoto Seika University
Trained in woodworking in Hida
Trained in upholstery in Kyoto
Established own workshop in Kyoto
Launched activities under the brand “SOMA”
Held SOMA exhibition at The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
Exhibited at the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities in Sweden