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The Wako Main Store basement Arts and Culture will be hosting an event called "Pearl Weaving, Carved Furniture and Books" from Thursday, February 27th to Wednesday, March 19th. Persian carpets, which can be considered works of art that revive ancient techniques for the modern era, and sculptural furniture, which is a seamless piece of sculpture carved by a sculptor from a log itself, will be featured alongside books that connect these two. This event could only be held at the Basement Arts and Culture, a place where people and things, and people and each other, can meet and deepen their interactions.
■ Persian carpets
Atelier Miiri and Atelier Solemani Efiny are dedicated to reviving traditional hand-spun and plant-dyed Persian carpets and passing them on to the next generation. The carpets, knotted by skilled craftsmen using all-natural materials, are imbued with the joy of craftsmanship along with the traditions they have cultivated. This time, we have prepared mainly "pearl weaving" items that have been revived after 120 years. The knotted beads become dots on the surface to create patterns, and with use the knots acquire a luster and shine like pearls, hence the name. Wako will also be introducing, for the first time, antique carpets that are deeply connected to the roots of pearl weaving.
■ Carved furniture
This furniture is made from trees that would otherwise be thrown away, such as fallen trees and thinnings, and is made by carving the logs themselves with a chainsaw, rather than assembling cut wood. The vibrant elephant and whale sculpture furniture has an overwhelming presence, but you can also feel the passion and warmth of sculptor Hiroyuki Nishimura, who tries to express the material as it is, without going against nature, by getting close to it. It is like furniture and sculpture, and like sculpture and furniture. The sculpture furniture, which is a usable sculpture, is a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture and work of art. There will be about 30 pieces, mainly bookshelves and stools.
■ Book
Carpets and sculpted furniture are works of art created by human hands. Book director Bach Haba Masataka has selected books on themes related to the materials, culture and history of these objects to be displayed on the shelves of Elephant and Whale Sculptors. The wide range of books on offer, including novels, essays, picture books and cookbooks, will expand the worldview of the works gathered at Wako Arts and Culture's "Stage of Time" as if on a journey.
■ Overview of the "Pearl Weaving, Carved Furniture and Books" Exhibition
・Dates: Thursday, February 27th to Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, 11:00-19:00 (until 17:00 on the final day)
・Venue: Wako Main Store Basement, 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
A short walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Station A10 exit, directly connected to B1 exit. For inquiries, please contact Wako Main Store, basement floor, 03-3562-2111 (main line).
■ Wako Arts and Culture
The basement of the main store was reborn as "Arts and Culture" on July 20th last year. This floor is not just a place to shop, but a base for conveying the stories behind the products, such as the traditions and techniques that have been handed down for hundreds of years, the Japanese aesthetic and consciousness that is born from how we interact with nature, and the time spent pursuing creativity, and is a place for culture and people to interact.
Since the founding of its predecessor, Hattori Watch Shop, Wako has introduced products that represent the best of artisan craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, and has held regular art exhibitions to foster diverse perspectives and inspiration through its interactions with the people who gather there. While carrying on the spirit of respecting arts and culture that runs through Wako, we will continue to present the works of Japanese craftsmen and contemporary artists from the unique perspective of the basement.
Wako Arts and Culture Official Page
Wako Arts and Culture Instagram
From the press release of Wako Co., Ltd.
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