A Reunion After 50 Years, Inspired by Art

Astier de Villatte. A popular ceramic brand in Paris. The shop opened in 2000 at 173 Rue Saint-Honoré, not far from Rue de la Paix. Opening the wooden door reveals shelves filled with pure white ceramics. The wooden floor that follows slopes dramatically, making one feel as if they've wandered into a medieval manor. The pure white ceramics have a rustic texture, reminiscent of Japanese *kohiki* pottery.

The designers are Benoît Astier de Villatte and Ivan Pericoli, both from Rome. Benoît met Ivan at the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris (National School of Fine Arts in Paris), and together they launched the ceramic and furniture brand "Astier de Villatte."

That very "Astier de Villatte" is now releasing a collection in collaboration with Setsuko, the wife of the master painter Balthus and a painter in her own right. We had the opportunity to handle the pieces firsthand at the Astier company's workshop in Paris and interviewed Setsuko and the duo, Benoît and Ivan.

From left: Terumi Hagiwara, Benoît Astier de Villatte, and Setsuko

SetsukoSeveral years ago, I was struck by Astier's work. When I saw the name Benoît, I remembered him as the boy who lived at the "Académie de France" in Rome, where Balthus was director. I immediately called and arranged to meet.

—After receiving your call, Benoît?

BenoîtOf course, I was surprised. I had only known her when I was about five years old. But when we met again, it felt like reuniting with dear family. The collaboration was decided on the spot. Normally, when I collaborate, I have meals with the other person and we talk for a long time. But with Setsuko, after a 50-year gap, we connected instantly.

All Collaboration Pieces Unveiled
Astier de Villatte and Balthus's Wife, Setsuko Klossowska de Rola Exhibition

Dates: Saturday, April 19 – Monday, May 19
Venue: H.P.DECO
5-2-11 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3406-0313
www.hpfrance.com/sp/astier/index.html

Astier de Villatte
Tel. +33 (0)1 42 60 74 13
www.astierdevillatte.com/

Astier's New Frontier: Evoking the Painter's Presence and Nostalgia

From left: Benoît Astier de Villatte, Setsuko, Terumi Hagiwara, and Ivan Pericoli

We were invited to the atelier and shown the pieces.

BenoîtThese are deep plates inspired by the exterior decorations and moldings of the "Grand Chalet" where Setsuko lives in Switzerland. And this is a cheese plate and knife, designed to resemble a palette and brush.

SetsukoThis isn't finished yet, but it's a candlestick with a fig leaf motif that I'm most excited about. It will be a large, one-of-a-kind piece. After exhibiting it at the Milan Salone, we plan to show it in Tokyo.

—What are your future plans for new works?

SetsukoI have so many things I want to create with Astier. Please look forward to them.


Benoît and Ivan design pieces that are inorganic and abstract. Setsuko's work features motifs that offer a glimpse into her life with Balthus. These elements create a new world, blending nostalgia with modernity.

Setsuko had always been a woman I admired and wanted to speak with. Our appointment during Paris Fashion Week was at 9:00 AM, but as usual, she was impeccably dressed in a kimono. We went to the Chanel show together at 10:30 AM, and predictably, we got caught in traffic. As we approached the Grand Palais, we had to run. Seeing her running with her kimono hem in hand, I felt as though I was witnessing a Japanese woman who had left something behind. I hope to discuss kimonos with her next time.

Japan-Switzerland Diplomatic Relations 150th Anniversary: Balthus Retrospective Exhibition Held
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland, a major retrospective of Balthus's work has been organized. It will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Tokyo from Saturday, April 19, and at the Kyoto City Museum of Art in Kyoto from Saturday, July 5. The exhibition will feature over 40 oil paintings gathered from around the world, including pieces from the Centre Pompidou, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and private collections. This marks the first and largest exhibition of his work in Japan since his passing. The exhibition will also recreate Balthus's atelier, where he spent his later years, alongside his personal belongings. It offers an exploration into the creative background of the painter, whom Picasso called "the last master of the 20th century."

Learn more about the "Balthus Exhibition" →