In addition to introducing items being unveiled for the first time, Aiko Miyanaga's new glass works will also be presented at the concurrently held event, "The Embrace of Time."
Wako Co., Ltd. will be simultaneously hosting ANTEPRIMA x Aiko Miyanaga's "Wearing Time. Folding Memories." and "The Embrace of Time" at the Arts and Culture section on the basement floor of its flagship store from Thursday, October 8th to Wednesday, October 21st.
■ANTEPRIMA x Aiko Miyanaga "Wearing Time. Folding Up Memories."
For its Fall/Winter 2026–27 collection, ANTEPRIMA shed light on the invisible structure of "time." Inspired by the poetic worldview of contemporary artist Aiko Miyanaga, ANTEPRIMA fuses the "memory" and "ephemerality of time" reflected in her meditative works with its delicate aesthetic sensibilities. It gives form to invisible time and depicts the beauty found in stillness. Embodying Miyanaga's philosophy that "beauty resides not in permanence, but in change," this collection, which holds strength within its stillness, expresses rebirth, hope, and the beauty that resides in the unseen.
This exhibition will feature clothing inspired by Ms. Miyanaga's work, as well as numerous special items from ANTEPRIMA/WIREBAG, including the "AIKO MIYANAGA" collection and popular series, some of which will be unveiled for the first time.
"AIKO MIYANAGA" Collection
The butterfly motif, symbolizing "transformation," utilizes a special film of 99.9% pure silver that has been vacuum-bonded. Delicate crochet and stitching elegantly depict the butterfly. As it comes into contact with air, the silver slowly changes its appearance, and this change is not merely a matter of aging, but rather imprints the wearer's experiences and environments as "memories." This is an exceptional piece that deepens in unique character with each passing year, exuding the presence of a true art piece.
This gorgeous item is made by weaving organza tape together with wire cord. The delicate tape is inscribed with a passage from a musical score selected by Ms. Miyanaga. The wire bag, which visualizes the "flow of time" woven from a single wire, and the light organza overlap to create a new poetic expression of "weaving a song."
This bag features an organic, oval shape. Its form is both ephemeral and powerful, as if the shape were absorbed into melting glass. The detail of irregularly shaped pearls encased in transparent resin gives it the appearance of an art piece that captures a fleeting moment.
At this exhibition, the first customers to purchase items totaling 64,000 yen or more (including tax) will receive an "ANTEPRIMA original compact mirror" as a gift.
(※Limited quantities available. Offer ends when supplies run out.)
ANTEPRIMA
ANTEPRIMA, with its concept of "Smart, Precious with LOVE," is a brand that aims to empower women who enjoy the modern era with grace and live freely, beautifully, and strongly. Established in 1993, it has been an official participant in Milan Fashion Week since 1998.
ANTEPRIMA's signature wire bag debuted in 1998. These bags, which sparkle and shimmer in the light, are meticulously handcrafted by artisans using wire cords with a prism-like sheen. One of their features is their moderate elasticity, which allows them to change shape when items are placed inside. The basic form, which suits any style, fits seamlessly into a woman's lifestyle, blending into any scene and adding a vibrant touch of joy.
Anteprima official brand website: https://jp.anteprima.com/
Anteprima Online Store: https://www.wirebag.jp/
■The Embrace of Time <br />At "The Embrace of Time," held at Arts and Culture during the same period, we will be showcasing the works of Aiko Miyanaga.
Miyanaga uses materials such as naphthalene, glass, salt, and leaf veins to visualize time, and creates works based on the theme of "a world that continues to exist while changing."
Miyanaga said the following:
"In the Great Ginza Fire of 1872, it is said that approximately 5,000 buildings in the Ginza area were burned down. After that, the Ginza Brick Street was built with the aim of creating a 'fire-resistant city.' A few years ago, I came across some of the bricks from that time that were found underground on Hanatsubaki Street, and I made glass from those bricks." This time, I will also be presenting new works using that glass.
Having overcome various challenges, this clock tower continues to mark the future. In the arts and culture space on its basement floor, this exhibition is "an attempt to bring memories from the present time on the ground to the past time sleeping underground." Experience the "embrace of time" through Miyanaga's works that visualize time, including a piece that captures the air of 2026 and sculptures made of naphthalene, a material that changes with time.
Photography: Keizo Kioku ©︎Aiko Miyanaga, Courtesy of Mizuma Art Gallery
≪waiting for awakening ―wall clock―≫
2019
Naphthalene, resin, mixed media
64 x 40 x 21.5 cm
©︎MIYANAGA Aiko, Courtesy of Mizuma Art Gallery
≪A scene that falls at night – a clock -≫
2026
Naphthalene, mixed media
44 x 16 x 28 cm
Aiko Miyanaga's Profile
Photography: Kenshu Niitsu
Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1974, and currently resides there.
Completed graduate studies in Advanced Art Expression at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2008.
Her works, which visualize time using traces of presence—such as objects molded from everyday items using naphthalene, and installations utilizing salt, leaf veins, and the sound of crackling in ceramics—have attracted attention for their expression of "a world that continues to exist while constantly changing."
Her major recent exhibitions include the solo exhibition "Aiko Miyanaga: Wrapping Poetry" (Toyama Glass Art Museum, 2023), "Aiko Miyanaga: Reading the Sea" (ZENBI-Kagi Zenryobo-KAGIZEN ART MUSEUM, Kyoto, 2023), and "World Classroom: Contemporary Art as Japanese Language, Arithmetic, Science, and Social Studies" (Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 2023).
Recipient of the 70th Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for New Artists.
■ Wako Main Store, Basement Floor, Arts and Culture
The basement of our flagship store was reborn as "Arts and Culture" on July 20, 2024. This floor is not just a place to shop, but a hub that conveys the stories behind the products—the traditions and techniques that have been passed down for hundreds of years, the Japanese aesthetic sense born from a relationship with nature, and the time spent pursuing creativity. It is a place for cultural exchange between people.
Since its founding as Hattori Watch Shop, Wako has showcased products that embody the finest craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, while also regularly holding art exhibitions. Through interactions with the people who gather there, Wako has fostered diverse perspectives and inspirations. Inheriting the spirit of respecting arts and culture that flows through Wako, we will present works that embody Japanese aesthetics, craftsmanship, and sustainability from a unique perspective only possible in the basement.
Homepage: https://www.wako.co.jp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wako_ginza_tokyo/
Arts and Culture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsandculture_wako_ginzatokyo/
[From Wako Co., Ltd. press release ]
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