Naoko Shimizu Exhibition: March 2 (Sat) - March 5 (Tue) at Uehara store!

From March 2nd (Sat) to March 5th (Tue), FOOD FOR THOUGHT Uehara will host its first solo exhibition by Naoko Shimizu, a ceramist from Kyoto.

Ms. Shimizu will be present on the first day.

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March has finally arrived, bringing with it the true beginning of spring.
While there's still a chill in the air, Naoko Shimizu has created vibrant pieces that evoke the budding of spring from winter.

Ms. Shimizu creates sometsuke (blue and white) and iro-e (polychrome) pottery in Kyoto. She has participated in special exhibitions at FFT, and her gentle and elegant paintings have gained many fans.

Sometsuke and iro-e might evoke an impression of "gorgeous vessels" or "items for special occasions." However, Ms. Shimizu believes that "vessels are for serving food," and her works possess a charm that subtly enhances the cuisine rather than being overly ornate. While utilizing classical patterns, her collection of works is characterized by a modern softness, loveliness, and a comfortable sense of ease that blends seamlessly into contemporary life.

The patterns feature lively animals, plants, and fruits, drawn with a natural and effortless touch. Yet, a closer look reveals delicate details meticulously rendered.

The process involves shaping the pottery and then hand-painting each piece. This is an incredibly time-consuming and labor-intensive task, but the soft brushstrokes, variations in intensity, color choices, and the balance between painting and negative space make it seem effortless. The works possess an elegance, a sense of relaxed composure, and an unpretentious magnanimity that allows one to unwind.

For this exhibition, she has created nearly 300 such pieces! The sight of Ms. Shimizu's sometsuke works lined up in the Uehara store, which is designed with the image of a Kyoto "okudo-san" (traditional kitchen), is truly spectacular. We hope everyone will come and see it.

Spring is the season when one wants to refresh their tableware.
These pieces are perfect for yourself, and they also make excellent gifts to celebrate new beginnings.
Please come to the Uehara store to find some spring-like tableware.
Ms. Shimizu will also be present on the first day!

Naoko Shimizu Exhibition

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Uehara
March 2nd (Sat) - March 5th (Tue)
OPEN 11:00-18:00
*No reservation required

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Uehara
2-33-4 Uehara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0064
03-6416-8294