A Lineup of Exquisite Handmade Works from Artisans

The physical shop, "Handmade Gallery & Market iichi" (http://www.iichi.com/), appearing for a limited time at Ginza Mitsukoshi, will bring together a diverse range of handmade items including accessories, glassware, fabric crafts, and woodwork from a total of 32 artisans featured on the handmade web marketplace "iichi".

iichi is a web marketplace where users can directly communicate and engage in transactions with artisans. Artisans can create their own profile and product pages to introduce and sell their work, announce events and solo exhibitions, and even sell their creations internationally through the English version. Users, in turn, can enjoy shopping and conversation while appreciating the artisans' passion and background behind their creations.

Participating artisans include Salvia, led by designer Yuriwo Seki, which practices various forms of craftsmanship by learning from Japan's traditional crafts and culture and collaborating with artisans on-site; and Hisako Uematsu, who begins by washing raw wool, spins the yarn, and meticulously weaves each thread into exquisite scarves.

Also featured are hammock, creating wooden accessories that offer a tactile experience akin to leather, with each piece carefully carved entirely by blade without the use of oils or sandpaper; and KARAFURU, whose popular Makie Pearl series features traditional Japanese lacquerware techniques applied by artisans to each individual piece, established to pass down Japan's traditional craftsmanship.

And Erina Inoue, who creates colorful yet gentle and charming glassworks reminiscent of Japanese summer sweets using the pâte de verre technique. A variety of handmade items, each reflecting the artisans' dedication to their techniques and materials, will be exhibited. Visitors can also enjoy encounters with people and objects they might not typically come across.

iichi Gallery & Market at Ginza Mitsukoshi
Connecting with Japan's Artisans This Summer
Period: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 – Tuesday, August 13
Hours: 10:30 – 20:00
Venue: Ginza Mitsukoshi, 8th Floor, Living Floor
Ginza Style Simply Heart

Handmade Gallery & Market
iichi - Handmade in Japan -
http://www.iichi.com/