#Japan #Tokyo #Riviera #Handcrafted Tiles #Yuki Okuda

Discover the Art of Handcrafted Tiles

Riviera Co., Ltd., a prominent importer and distributor of tiles and stones based in Shizuoka, Japan, is set to host a unique exhibition titled "Hand Crafted Tiles - The Journey of Tile Making" at its Tokyo showroom. This event will showcase the exquisite work of tile artist Yuki Okuda from YYtiles, providing attendees with an insightful glimpse into the intricate processes that bring these stunning handcrafted tiles to life.

A Deeper Look into Tile Craftsmanship

Traditionally, tiles are seen as uniform industrial products; however, Okuda’s creations challenge this notion. Each tile is handcrafted—a dedicated process involving everything from forming with gypsum molds to painting, glazing, and firing. The resulting variations in glaze, line, and color infuse the tiles with depth and presence, making them not just functional elements of a space but artistic expressions as well. This exhibition highlights the reality that the beauty and uniqueness of tiles stem from meticulous handwork and a thoughtful creative process.

Exhibiting the Tile-Making Process

The exhibition proudly displays not only completed artworks but also the various stages of tile production using actual materials. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe gypsum molds, unfired tiles, bisque pieces, and the finished products at various stages of the crafting process. By following this sequential display, guests can appreciate that the charm and texture of finished tiles are the outcomes of intentional decisions and craftsmanship rather than mere chance.

An Invitation to Architects and Designers

While the exhibition is accessible to the general public, it serves as an enriching experience for architects, designers, and interior decorators. The event offers them a tangible opportunity to envision the use of custom tiles in their projects. It proposes alternative solutions that go beyond mass-produced items, emphasizing how handcrafted tiles can cater to specific details and embody the wishes of clients effectively.

Artist Profile: Yuki Okuda

Yuki Okuda, known for her brand YYtiles, has an impressive background in artisanal tile-making. After graduating from Sugino Women's University with a specialization in dyeing, she worked as a hand-painted Yuzen artisan in Kyoto. In 2002, she pursued further studies in Florence, Italy, and in 2003, worked as a designer and technician at a tile manufacturer in Modena. In 2008, she began her career as a tile artist in Nice, France, before returning to Japan in 2016 to establish an atelier dedicated to decorative tile production. Today, she focuses on creating custom tiles and decorative murals, involving herself fully in the handcrafting process from shaping to glazing and firing.

Exhibition Details

The "Hand Crafted Tiles - The Journey of Tile Making" exhibition will run from May 18 to July 30, 2026. It will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Riviera Tokyo Showroom located at 3-3-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, in the Sumitomo Life Sanno Building. The venue is conveniently accessible by a 2-3 minute walk from Akasaka Mitsuke Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and Ginza Line. The exhibition will be closed on Sundays and national holidays.

About Riviera Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1997, Riviera has been a leading supplier of high-quality building materials, including Italian and Spanish porcelain tiles and natural stones, primarily for residential properties in Japan. The company prides itself on carefully selecting innovative products from overseas exhibitions and ensuring meticulous management of inventory, guaranteeing consistent quality in all supplies. With headquarters in Shizuoka and additional offices in Tokyo and Osaka, Riviera is committed to delivering the finest materials for builders and designers alike. For more information, visit their official website at https://riviera.jp.