Special Exhibition: The Colors of Plants and Trees Transform into Flowers—Hananowa × Atelier Shimura

Hon-Mino-shi, a type of Japanese paper, is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Under the production of the Gifu Prefectural Product Development Laboratory (GPDL), "Hananowa" refers to paper flowers, each carefully folded by an origami artist using this precious handmade Japanese paper. The appearance of these flowers, which can only be achieved with Hon-Mino-shi, embodies the wish to pass on the tradition of Japanese paper and the art of folding for a thousand years to come.

This exhibition introduces works created through the collaboration of Hananowa and Atelier Shimura, featuring plant-dyed pieces. White flowers, intentionally created without color to highlight the texture of the material, are imbued with the colors of plants and trees, blooming anew. Mino Washi, with a history spanning 1,300 years, and plant dyeing, which derives colors from the life of plants, are two forms of craftsmanship whose encounter has given birth to new shapes that harmonize with modern life.

New products, including beeswax paper dyed with various plant colors, will also be unveiled. These are tools for daily life that are gentle on nature and add color to our living spaces. We invite you to experience the beauty of craftsmanship that is globally recognized.

Date: September 11 (Fri.) to October 20 (Tue.), 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM. Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Open on public holidays.

Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School Tokyo, Setagaya, 6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Exhibition and Sales: Hananowa Japanese paper flowers, beeswax paper, etc.

GPDL Representative Present: September 11 (Fri.), 12 (Sat.), 13 (Sun.), 14 (Mon.)

Inquiries: Tel: 03-6411-1215, Email: gallery@ateliershimura.co.jp

◾️ About "Hananowa"

A single white flower that continues to bloom for 100 years.
“Hananowa” are Japanese paper flowers carefully folded one by one by origami artists using 'Hon-Mino-shi'.
What if there was a flower that stayed beautiful by your side, always...
Even as all communication becomes digitized,
the preciousness of conveying feelings 'on paper' remains unchanged.
Just as you write a letter or keep a diary,
cherish special thoughts with 'Hananowa'. (GPDL)

◼︎Related Talk Event: "Craftsmanship and Branding—The Future of Washi"

Hiroyuki Hayashi (GPDL Representative) × Shoji Shimura (Atelier Shimura Representative)

We will invite Hiroyuki Hayashi, representative of the Gifu Prefectural Product Development Laboratory, to discuss what is valued in product creation and how it is communicated, focusing on the current state of traditional crafts and industries, initiatives undertaken on-site to pass them on to the next generation, and the challenges and successes encountered.

Date: September 12 (Sat.), 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School Tokyo, Setagaya

Participation Fee: 2,200 yen (tax included)

Capacity: 12 people (first-come, first-served)

Click here to register

Hiroyuki Hayashi, Representative of Gifu Prefectural Product Development Laboratory (GPDL)

Representative Director and Creative Director of Gifu Prefectural Product Development Laboratory Co., Ltd. Provides comprehensive support for manufacturing in Gifu, from "creation and communication" to "sales," engaging in product planning and development, branding, market development, and exhibition production. Specializes in hands-on support, working closely with companies and artisans on-site, connecting regional techniques and materials to the market as new value.