#Japan #Tokyo #Edo Kiriko #Atelier Shimura #Ikuko Ogawa

Ikuko Ogawa's Glass Kiriko Exhibition

Atelier Shimura in Setagaya, Tokyo, is set to host an innovative exhibition featuring the exquisite glass cut ornaments created by renowned Edo kiriko artist Ikuko Ogawa. This event will take place from July 10 to July 28, 2026, showcasing Ogawa's artistic prowess and dedication to traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Edo kiriko, a traditional form of glass cutting that began in the late Edo period, features intricate designs that refract light beautifully. Historically stemming from a glass wholesaler named Kaga-ya Kyubei in Edo's Daitenmacho, this craft utilizes finely ground crystal sand combined with profound sensitivity to natural light, embodying the Japanese aesthetic.

Ikuko Ogawa, a distinguished practitioner of Edo kiriko, trained under the esteemed artist Hideo Kobayashi for nine years. Her talent is well-recognized, having received the Encouragement Prize from the Japanese Craft Association at the Japanese Traditional Craft Exhibition. While firmly grounded in traditional techniques, Ogawa continually pursues her unique vision, crafting forms and colors that captivate the spirit and imagination of her audience. The contrast of deep colors with the clarity of glass in her work is unique and enchanting, reflecting the vibrant essence of nature.

The upcoming exhibition promises to cool down the heat of summer with a playful selection of obi ornaments designed specifically for this event. Displaying her artistic journey, the collection demonstrates Ogawa's ability to capture the light and color, harmonizing perfectly with Atelier Shimura, which mirrors the colors of life in nature within its kimonos and accessories.

Event Schedule

• - Date: July 10 (Friday) – July 28 (Tuesday), 2026
• - Time: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays; open on holidays)
• - Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery and School, 6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

In addition, a special event related to this exhibition will feature a talk event titled "The World of Kiriko's Color and Light." On July 12, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Ogawa will discuss her journey as a craftsman, her perspective on colors in glasswork, the techniques of Edo kiriko, and the allure of her craft. The event will be hosted by Mashiro Shimura, the representative of Atelier Shimura.

• - Admission Fee: 2,200 JPY (tax included)
• - Capacity: 10 participants
• - Application: Event Registration

Ikuko Ogawa, born in 1973 in Tokyo, graduated from Sophia University with a degree in Psychology before apprenticing under Hideo Kobayashi. She has received numerous accolades, including the East Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition Awards and the Japanese Traditional Crafts Association Encouragement Prize. In 2019, one of her pieces was purchased by the Imperial Household Agency, further establishing her reputation in the field.

Atelier Shimura: A Hub of Art

Atelier Shimura, led by Mashiro Shimura, the grandson of celebrated artist Fukumi Shimura, is a new generation of craftsmen dedicated to preserving the beauty of dyeing and weaving traditions. The studio welcomes those fascinated by the world of natural colors, creating unique, hand-made pieces guided by rich ideologies. Through workshops and cultural experiences centered around dyeing and weaving, they continuously seek to enrich lives and enhance the beauty of everyday life.

For more information about the exhibition and Atelier Shimura, visit our official website or contact us via phone or email.

• - Contact:

- Phone: 03-6411-1215
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Atelier Shimura
- YouTube: Weekly Reading

We look forward to welcoming you to this unique exhibition celebrating the beauty and artistry of Ikuko Ogawa's glass cut ornaments.