Esoteric Survey

Japanese Modern at T&Y Gallery The exhibition includes pieces by Junzo Sakakura, Isamu Kenmochi, Isamu Noguchi, Riki Watanabe and Sori Yanagi. There is also a mobile tatami platform by architect Kiyoshi Seike. This is a collaboration with Gallery Sign Tokyo. Junzo Sakakura Bench by Riki Watanabe Isamu Kenmochi Isamu Kenmochi Daybed by Makoto Masuzawa Mobile tatami platform by architect Kiyoshi Seike "My House" by Kiyoshi Seike, 1954  The architect designed his small 1 0m x 5m house   for himself and his family in his parent’s back garden.   The tatami mat was used indoor and out for multiple functions. The house today.  Source: Gallery Sign Tokyo Seike is considered one of Japan's most important post-war architects. This is the dream. I used to have the same model Lambretta, LD Mark II. Source:  Gallery Sign Tokyo There was a model of the house on display. Sori Yanagi tray The exhibition closes December 23. T & Y Gallery is just a few months old and is l...

Charlotte Perriand, with support from Sori Yanagi and Junzo Sakakura, was invited by the Japanese Ministry of Commerce and Industry/Department of Trade Promotion to serve as an advisor to help increase furniture exports for Japan. Perriand had met Sakakura while they were both working at Le Corbusier’s studio. Junzo worked with Le Corbusier in Paris from 1931 to 1936. On June 15, 1940 Perriand boarded a cruiseliner headed to Japan. This was one day after the nazis had captured Paris. She arrived in Japan on August 21, 1940. Image: Perriand with back to camera and Sori Yanagi (center), via Charlotte Perriand: An Art of Living: Mary McLeod   She stayed at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Imperial Hotel. Then she traveled throughout Japan with Sori Yanagi and visited Mingei craftspeople around the county. Source: MFA Boston Perriand (middle) with Sakakura (left) with two Japanese craftsmen, 1941 Image: Charlotte Perriand: An Art of Living: Mary McLeod  In 194...

Kyoto has the best alleys. That's where I discovered Books & Things.   Across town is Ukishima Garden, a vegan restaurant with Daisaku Choh/Junzo Sakakura chairs! I had ramen and these vegetables, served on a great ceramic plate. Toji Temple Flea Market The first thing I bought was a woodblock print of the Hiroshima Peace Bridge (1952), designed by Isamu Noguchi.  There are actually two Noguchi bridges leading to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Speaking of parks, check out this slide in Kyoto.