#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese art #Exelco Diamond #Daniel Ost

The Art of Floral Elegance: Daniel Ost and Exelco Diamond

From July 16 to July 22, 2025, the world of floral artistry converged with exquisite jewelry in an extraordinary exhibition titled "Daniel Ost: The Dance of the Maihiran Lotus," held at Nihonbashi Takashimaya in Tokyo. This stylish event was a collaboration with Exelco Diamond, a renowned diamond brand known for its superior sparkle and craftsmanship.

At the heart of the exhibition was a magnificent three-meter installation of the Maihiran Lotus, featured prominently at the main entrance. The background tapestry, crafted from dyed Japanese paper, depicted a breathtaking sunrise, enhancing the ethereal beauty of the floral art. Among the stunning compositions was the Noble Lily, which Ost created specifically for Exelco's "Shangri-la" collection.

A Master of Floral Art

Daniel Ost is celebrated as a floral artist who has shaped the landscape of floral design both in Belgium and globally. With a background steeped in royal commissions—most notably, he has decorated for royal weddings—his talent transforms spaces into immersive experiences where nature and art collide. Dubbed the “architect of flowers” and the “sculptor of flowers,” Ost’s creations are a testament to his deep understanding and unique vision.

Much like Ost, Exelco Diamond, based in Ginza, Tokyo, draws inspiration from its Belgian roots. The brand aims to bring a spark of brilliance to every facet of life through its diamond jewelry. This shared ethos resonated throughout the exhibition, uniting floral artistry and high-end craftsmanship.

The Intersection of Cultures

The exhibit featured collaborations with various artists, including living national treasure Matsuhoshi Fujitsuka, who crafted bamboo sculptures that framed Ost's floral works. In a deliberate move to allow visitors to fully engage with the art, pieces were nameless, encouraging a personal connection and appreciation of the displayed beauty. Spectators marveled at the intricate interplay of bamboo and blooms, experiencing firsthand the sensory delight that Ost’s and Fujitsuka’s creations provided.

Blending Japanese traditional culture and the artistry from Belgium, the exhibition not only showcased the creativity behind floral artistry but also illustrated the endless potential of flowers. It was a remarkable opportunity to observe how Ost’s floral displays resonated with Eastern aesthetics, creating a festival of lotus flowers that celebrated cultural exchange.

A Glimpse into Daniel Ost’s Career

Born in 1955 in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, Daniel Ost's fascination with plants began in his childhood, inspired by his grandparents’ garden. By his twenties, he had already started winning prestigious awards in floral design competitions. An advocate for traditional architecture, he has turned historical sites across the world into canvases for his art.

In Japan, Ost’s exhibitions at iconic venues like Ninna-ji, To-ji, and Kinkaku-ji have garnered significant acclaim, bridging cultural divides through shared appreciation of nature's beauty. In 2015, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun for his contributions to the art of flowers, solidifying his status as a significant figure in floral design.

The Maihiran Lotus: A Unique Flower

The Maihiran lotus is a rare species native to Japan, first cultivated in 1966 in the city of Gobō, Wakayama. Its large blooms, which open and close magnificently, evoke the image of a graceful dancer, inspiring its name. This exquisite flower was originally presented to the then-crown prince and princess of Japan, later being planted in the Imperial Palace, symbolizing East-West cultural ties.

Exelco Diamond: The Shangri-la Tiara

The “Shangri-la” tiara by Exelco Diamond translates to “utopia.” Designed with a vision of enchanting lovers meeting in a magnificent garden, this tiara set incorporates 104.996 carats of diamonds to symbolize love and connection. The central flower, representing a garden, harbors a 6-carat diamond, while a pair-shaped 3-carat diamond encapsulated by a lily motif adorns the top.

Exelco also showcases the intricate “Diamond Journey,” a pioneering initiative that allows customers to trace the journey of their diamond from rough stone to exquisite jewelry. This transparency not only ensures the diamond’s ethical sourcing but also celebrates the artistry involved in its creation.

Event Details

Date: July 16-22, 2025
Location: Nihonbashi Takashimaya S.C., Tokyo
Exhibition Spaces: Main Stage on the first floor, Event Space on the first floor, Gallery Le Chic on the second.
Featured Shops: Daniel Ost's original vases, artworks, and photography books, alongside collaboration displays with Matsuhoshi.

With the support of the Belgian Embassy in Japan and the Japan-Belgium Association, the exhibition invites all to experience the harmonious blend of art, culture, and bright brilliance of flowers and diamonds at one of Tokyo's most prominent cultural intersections.