A Contemporary Art Piece Forging a New Future and Possibilities Beyond Craft

Junji Tanikawa, representative of JTQ, whose theme is "transmitting messages through space as a medium," engages in branding and promotion across all communication domains. He previously collaborated with the esteemed champagne house KRUG to create a bottle cooler. Now, he has partnered with "Gyokusendo," a long-established purveyor of intangible cultural heritage, Tsuchi-doki (hammered copperware), from Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata, to create the hammered ware "Tsuki"—a contemporary art piece that transcends craft to forge new futures and possibilities.

The hammered ware "Tsuki" is inspired by the universally understood, ceaseless cycle of the moon's phases, intricately weaving the transformation from full moon to half moon to new moon into a single form. This vessel, a testament to the harmonious competition between master hammerers and casters, achieves a high level of craftsmanship and practicality. It can serve as a bottle cooler, a vase, or an interior decorative object.

Mr. Tanikawa shares his thoughts on the intention behind this collaboration:

"Craft as an art piece. I conceived this idea two years ago. Together with Gyokusendo, which has been crafting Tsuchi-doki for 200 years in Tsubame-Sanjo—representing Japan's master artisans—we have created this hammered ware 'Tsuki' as an art piece with a new perspective. Building upon the techniques of Tsuchi-doki, we've incorporated casting and polishing methods to create a unique vessel. Please, cherish your own 'moon,' born from Japanese craftsmanship, and use it to display what is most precious to you."

Purchasers of the hammered ware "Tsuki" will receive a concept book along with an edition card. This book chronicles the story behind the creation of the piece, featuring photographs of the factory production process and Tsubame-Sanjo. It showcases the Gyokusendo factory, a designated registered cultural property, and the diverse landscape and techniques of Tsubame-Sanjo, a city renowned for its metalworking, through newly commissioned photography. The world of hammered ware is exquisitely captured.

The word "Wa" (和) originally signifies the harmonious blending and refinement of different materials and techniques. Guided by this principle, we turn our attention to the captivating collaboration between Mr. Tanikawa and Gyokusendo, who have brought together various traditional crafts and ultimate techniques from across the country to co-create supreme handmade objects.

Size | W27 × D22 × H26 cm
Weight | 7.5kg
Material | Copper, Stainless Steel
Price | ¥450,000 (excluding tax, domestic price)

Gyokusendo Co., Ltd.
Tel. 0256-62-2015
info@gyokusendo.com

Gyokusendo Aoyama Store
Sumitomo Minami Aoyama Building 1F, 5-11-5 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Closed | Tuesdays
Hours | 11:00 - 20:00