#Japan #Setagaya #Hananowa #GPDL #Shimura Atelier

Exhibition Overview: The Color of Plants and Flowers - Hananowa × Atelier Shimura

The upcoming exhibition titled "The Color of Plants and Flowers - Hananowa × Atelier Shimura" is set to showcase the remarkable beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. It features Mino-washi, a handmade paper registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. With the production assistance of Gifu Product Development Laboratory (GPDL), origami artists have meticulously crafted paper flowers known as Hananowa, each representing dedicated craftsmanship and tradition. The delicate aesthetic of Hananowa, using Mino-washi paper, embodies a desire to pass down the essence of washi traditions and folding skills to future generations.

This exhibition will present works co-created by Hananowa and Atelier Shimura, showcasing textile dyeing techniques that utilize natural colors derived from plants. The highlight of the display will be the stunning white flowers that emerge from the organic dyeing process, bringing forth a new blossoming of creativity colored by nature itself. This fusion of 1300-year-old Mino-washi and plant-dyed artistry signifies a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern living.

Additionally, a variety of new products, including beeswax paper dyed with organic plants, will be unveiled. These natural tools enhance daily life with color while being environmentally friendly, allowing visitors to appreciate the artistic beauty of hand-crafted items that can resonate globally.

Event Details

• - Date: September 11 - October 20, 2026
• - Time: 12:00 - 17:30
• - Closed on: Wednesdays and Thursdays, Open on holidays
• - Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School, Setagaya, Tokyo
• - Address: 6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
• - Exhibition Products: Hananowa paper flowers and beeswax paper

GPDL Presence Dates

Visitors can meet with the GPDL representatives on the following dates: September 11, 12, 13, and 14.

Hananowa Overview

Hananowa is a symbolic white flower expected to bloom beautifully for a hundred years. Created by talented origami artists using Mino-washi, each flower can serve as an everlasting symbol, resonating through time. In a world increasingly drifting towards digital communication, the value of conveying thoughts on paper, like writing letters or diary entries, remains unchanged. Every Hananowa flower invites a special feeling and rekindles connections.

Related Event: Talk on Craftsmanship and Branding - The Future of Washi

In conjunction with the exhibition, a talk event titled "Craftsmanship and Branding - The Future of Washi" will be held featuring Hiroyuki Hayashi, the representative of GPDL, and Masashi Shimura, the head of Atelier Shimura. They will discuss the significant aspects of product creation and the narratives behind them, alongside contemporary challenges facing traditional crafts and industries.

• - Date: September 12, 2026, 11:00 - 12:00
• - Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School, Setagaya, Tokyo
• - Participation Fee: 2,200 JPY (including tax)
• - Capacity: 12 participants
• - Event Details & Registration

About Atelier Shimura

Atelier Shimura is a dyeing and weaving brand led by Masashi Shimura, the grandson of renowned dyer Fukumimi Shimura. It strives to blend craftsmanship with modern aesthetics and values, creating unique pieces that embody the colors of nature. As a platform for cultural experiences, Atelier Shimura engages in workshops and educational gatherings to impart the spirit of dyeing to the next generation. Always welcoming new interactions, Atelier Shimura aims to deepen learning through art and nature in their vibrant studio in Tokyo.

For inquiries, please contact Atelier Shimura Gallery & School in Setagaya, Tokyo at 03-6411-1215 or email [email protected]. Explore more on their official website or follow their Instagram for updates.