New Arrivals ~ Asuka III exhibit ~
Jul 19, 2025
News
Thank you for your continued support of ARTerrace.
We are pleased to announce that, starting Sunday, July 20, 2025, ARTerrace begin offering 89 newly released works by some of Japan’s most renowned craft artists. These works are part of a curated collection currently on display aboard Asuka III, a luxury cruise ship making its maiden voyage on the same day.
By making these exceptional pieces available online, we hope to share the wonder of encountering such art in an extraordinary setting, while creating new opportunities for audiences to engage with the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of today’s leading artisans.
▼ We invite you to explore these remarkable new works here ▼
From among these exceptional new works, we are delighted to share a few standout pieces.
Bowl with Water Flow Design in Overglaze Enamel and Sumi-Hajiki
Artist: Imaizumi Imaemon XIV (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property, “Iro-e Porcelain”)
The 14th-generation head of the prestigious Imaizumi family of Arita, Imaemon continues a tradition dating back to the Edo period. Merging classical techniques with contemporary expression, his works have earned him the Purple Ribbon Medal and recognition as the youngest artist ever designated a Living National Treasure in the field of iro-e porcelain. He has received numerous accolades at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, and his creations are widely acclaimed both in Japan and abroad.
Plate with Grape Design on Milky White Background
Artist: Sakaida Kakiemon XV
As the 15th-generation successor of the celebrated Kakiemon lineage, Sakaida Kakiemon XV carries forward a tradition rooted in the early Edo period. His work upholds the iconic milky white glaze known as nigoshide, delicately adorned with flora and fauna motifs. Infused with poetic sensitivity, his style celebrates negative space and the seasonal beauty of Japan.
As the 15th-generation successor of the celebrated Kakiemon lineage, Sakaida Kakiemon XV carries forward a tradition rooted in the early Edo period. His work upholds the iconic milky white glaze known as nigoshide, delicately adorned with flora and fauna motifs. Infused with poetic sensitivity, his style celebrates negative space and the seasonal beauty of Japan.
Plate with Leaf Design
Artist: Nakazato Tarouemon XIV
Born into the esteemed Nakazato family of Karatsu ware, Nakazato is the grandson of Living National Treasure Nakazato Muan and son of Japan Art Academy member Nakazato Houan. Since assuming the family name in 2002, he has explored dynamic forms—ranging from traditional Ido chawan and tataki jars to new interpretations incorporating Chinese techniques such as kakiotoshi (sgraffito)—establishing a distinctive artistic vision.
Born into the esteemed Nakazato family of Karatsu ware, Nakazato is the grandson of Living National Treasure Nakazato Muan and son of Japan Art Academy member Nakazato Houan. Since assuming the family name in 2002, he has explored dynamic forms—ranging from traditional Ido chawan and tataki jars to new interpretations incorporating Chinese techniques such as kakiotoshi (sgraffito)—establishing a distinctive artistic vision.
Flower Basket in Bundle Weave “Gekka”
Artist: Buseki Suikou
Born into a family of bamboo artists and trained under Living National Treasure Iizuka Shokansai, he creates works that express the subtle voice of bamboo itself. Her poetic and highly refined style has earned accolades at major exhibitions throughout Japan, and her pieces are included in the collections of leading museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Born into a family of bamboo artists and trained under Living National Treasure Iizuka Shokansai, he creates works that express the subtle voice of bamboo itself. Her poetic and highly refined style has earned accolades at major exhibitions throughout Japan, and her pieces are included in the collections of leading museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Covered Box with Design in Makie "Flow"
Artist: Murose Tomoya
Son of Living National Treasure Murose Kazumi and apprentice of Komori Kunio, Murose Tomoya is a rising urushi lacquer artist who leads the Mejiro Lacquer Art Institute in Tokyo. His practice centers on dry lacquer sculpting and maki-e decoration, through which he explores the essence of life, nature, and existence in pursuit of deeply resonant beauty. He received the Japan Kogei Association’s Newcomer Award at the 64th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition.
Son of Living National Treasure Murose Kazumi and apprentice of Komori Kunio, Murose Tomoya is a rising urushi lacquer artist who leads the Mejiro Lacquer Art Institute in Tokyo. His practice centers on dry lacquer sculpting and maki-e decoration, through which he explores the essence of life, nature, and existence in pursuit of deeply resonant beauty. He received the Japan Kogei Association’s Newcomer Award at the 64th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition.
Glass flower vessel “Memory of colors”（V）
Artist: Otsuki Yosuke
Otsuki employs a distinctive technique of layering and carving colored glass to evoke the sensations of light, wind, and scent as remembered in the mind’s eye. He received the top honor—the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award—at the 2021 All-Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition, and in 2020, one of his works was acquired by the Imperial Household Agency. He is widely recognized as a leading figure in contemporary glass artistry.
Otsuki employs a distinctive technique of layering and carving colored glass to evoke the sensations of light, wind, and scent as remembered in the mind’s eye. He received the top honor—the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award—at the 2021 All-Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition, and in 2020, one of his works was acquired by the Imperial Household Agency. He is widely recognized as a leading figure in contemporary glass artistry.
Monsoon
Artist: Matsuzaki Koikkou (Traditional Craftsperson)
Celebrating its centennial, the Matsuzaki Doll Studio is a rare workshop that creates both Edo isho-gi ningyo (costumed dolls) and Edo kimekomi dolls. Third-generation master Matsuzaki Koikkou crafts seasonal and interior dolls that reflect the beauty of traditional Japanese aesthetics. More recently, he has begun integrating 3D modeling technology into the kimekomi process, creating works that embody both tradition and innovation.
▼ Explore the full collection of exceptional new works ▼
