The Concept: "Plants with Character"

Botanical shop "Qusamura" proposes a unique aesthetic centered on the concept of "plants with character." Kohei Oda, the owner, personally travels domestically and internationally to gather distinctive plants, presenting them in harmony with vessels that accentuate their individual traits.

The shop's name originates from Oda's habit of referring to places where he finds plants as "kusamura" (grass clumps). He believes that unique beauty can lie hidden in what appears to be mere clusters of grass to the ordinary eye. The "Q" in "Qusamura" stands for "Question." It embodies the hope that upon encountering these distinctive plants, one might first feel a sense of wonder, asking "What is this?" and thus enter the world of Qusamura through that initial question.

The carefully selected succulents are not uniformly "cultivated." Some bear the marks of many years, perhaps appearing unconventional but carrying the narrative of survival, while others possess a certain exquisite allure, representing the pinnacle of life. Oda refers to these as "plants with character."


For this exhibition, Qusamura's plants are presented in vessels crafted by ceramic artist Yoshio Kangawa. Kangawa has spent over a year in trial and error, creating vessels that possess a presence alongside the plants. He has produced over 100 pieces, each thoughtfully made through deep engagement with the plants.

Furthermore, events such as tour and talk sessions are planned to deepen understanding of these plants. We encourage you to take your time and appreciate the distinct "character" of each plant adorned in its vessel.

Kohei Oda
Owner of Qusamura. Born in Hiroshima in 1976. In his twenties, he was moved by the spatial arrangements of flowers and plants he encountered by chance in Paris. Upon returning to Japan, after undergoing training, he opened a flower shop in Hiroshima. While exploring the potential of plants, his desire grew to handle plants that emphasize individuality and narrative, and whose charm deepens with time, rather than just color and form. In January 2012, he established "Qusamura," a botanical shop with the concept of "plants with character." He primarily deals with cacti and succulents, proposing unique plants paired with vessels that highlight their features.

Yoshio Kangawa
Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1963. Works as a potter in Hiroshima City. He creates vessels that are repeatedly held in the hand during daily life. He is renowned for his diverse ceramic expressions, including earthenware with a refined finish from wood firing, and semi-porcelain wares known as white porcelain or 'katade.' His 'kohiki' (white slip) pieces, made with local Hiroshima clay, evoke the aesthetic of Joseon dynasty ceramics, and his style, born from a reverence for ancient pottery, is popular among many.

Mura - Vessels Adorned
Period: Friday, August 26, 2016 - Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Hours: 11:00 - 21:00
Venue: CIBONE Aoyama
2F, ORIX Minami-Aoyama Building, 2-27-25 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
http://www.cibone.com/