#Japan #Tokyo #Ginza #Terumasa Ikeda #Ippodo Gallery

Exhibition Overview

Terumasa Ikeda's unique exhibition titled "Lacquer of Terumasa Ikeda" will take place from September 5 to 22, 2025, at the Ippodo Gallery in Ginza. This highly anticipated event will showcase the latest creations from the innovative lacquer artist, who has skillfully integrated traditional Japanese craftsmanship with advanced modern techniques.

The Artist

Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1987, Terumasa Ikeda is known for his contemporary approach to the historical art of raden, a traditional Japanese decoration method using mother-of-pearl inlays on lacquerware. Ikeda combines this ancient technique with modern technologies like laser cutting and ultrasonic vibrations to create intricate designs that reflect the evolution of art in the digital age.

His most distinctive creations incorporate numbers, providing a fresh perspective on traditional motifs. Rather than relying on conventional designs inspired by nature, Ikeda uses universally understood symbols like numbers, transforming the aesthetic landscape of raden into something that resonates with today's viewers.

The Artworks

Ikeda’s works include exquisite tea sets, incense holders, and small boxes that carry a lightness akin to modern relics of the future. Featuring geometric patterns reminiscent of digital signals and semiconductors, these pieces are crafted using fine, micro-cut mother-of-pearl set in layers of lacquer on Kiso hinoki (Japanese cypress). The result is a collection that harmoniously blends nature with technology, showcasing a seamless intersection of organic and inorganic forms.

As Ikeda eloquently puts it, his work aims to evoke a timeless beauty that bridges the past and the future. "I was inspired by the decorative beauty of religious architecture from around the world, and I wanted to create something that transcended time while also connecting to the modern world," he reflects. His journey into the art world began during his high school years when he participated in restoration projects in Nepal, awakening a deep appreciation for the architectural heritage of different cultures.

The Craft and Technology

Delicately shaping the shell material through laser technology and polishing it with ultrasonic methods, Ikeda meticulously arranges the polished pieces into intricate patterns that suggest signals and numbers. This innovative technique challenges conventional ideas about the relationship between nature and technology, creating a distinctive expression that is entirely Ikeda’s own.

Venue Information

As a part of this artistic journey, Ikeda's works will also be featured between September 12 and 14 at the Tokyo Gendai art fair, where he will represent Ippodo Gallery Tokyo. Attendees can expect to see fresh creations not displayed at the personal exhibition, further showcasing Ikeda's burgeoning acclaim both domestically and internationally.

This exhibition provides an exceptional opportunity to appreciate Ikeda’s evolving artistry in multiple formats: through both the solo exhibition and the art fair, art lovers can witness the innovative spirit of a rising artist who gracefully integrates tradition with modernity.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Name: Lacquer of Terumasa Ikeda
• - Dates: September 5 (Fri) - September 22 (Sun), 2025
• - Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
• - Venue: Ippodo Gallery, 3F Isei Building, 1-8-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
• - Official Website: Ippodo Gallery
• - Contact Information: [email protected] (Contact: Watanabe, Matsuda, Yamaguchi)

Conclusion

Terumasa Ikeda’s exhibition promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between traditional Japanese art and modern artistic expressions. Be sure to visit to discover how this talented artist continues to redefine lacquer art for a new generation.