Spotlight on Ainu Woodcarving with Kaizawa Tōru and Katō Hirofumi
- 11 & 12 December 2023
- 14:00–14:45
- The Hall, Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA
- https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/2023/ainu-woodcarving-kaizawa-toru-kato-hirofumi//
- +44 (0)20 7932 7100
- info@japanhouselondon.uk
- Tweet
Learn about the Ainu woodcarving industry in Nibutani, both its historical development and the carvers keeping its traditions alive today, by joining a themed guided tour of Japan House London’s exhibition ‘Ainu Stories’.
During this special tour, Japan House London Programming Director Simon Wright is joined by special guests Kaizawa Tōru , a prominent Ainu artist and master woodcarver based in Nibutani and Kato Hirofumi, Professor of Archaeology at the Centre for Ainu & Indigenous Studies, Hokkaido University.
The tour shines a spotlight on Ainu woodcarving featured in the exhibition including Nibutani ita, carved wooden plates or trays which have been named an ‘Officially Designated Traditional Craft’, one of only two in Hokkaido, and are characterized by decorative Ainu patterns. During the tour, guests can learn about the growth of the Ainu woodcarving industry in Nibutani and the influence of tourism as well as contemporary approaches.
The tour will last 45 minutes and will begin in front of the Gallery on Japan House London's Lower Ground floor promptly at the start time.
The exhibition Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River is on display in the Gallery at Japan House London from 16 November 2023 until 21 April 2024.
Please note that filming and / or photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please email info@japanhouselondon.uk or contact a member of the team on site.
About the performers
Kaizawa Tōru
Born in Nibutani in 1958, Kaizawa Tōru grew up in the company of his craftsman father (Tsutomu) and fellow artisans. His great-grandfather, Kaizawa Utorentoku was one of two Ainu artisans renowned for their skill in the Meiji Era. While valuing traditions inherited from his great-grandfather, he combines them with his unique sensibility and techniques, energetically grappling with the creation of original Ainu art that expresses his own personality and message. He has won many prizes, including the Hokkaido Governor's Award at the Hokkaido Ainu Traditional Craft Exhibition. He is the owner of the workshop Kita no Kobo Tsutomu.
Katō Hirofumi
Born in Yūbari, Hokkaido, Katō Hirofumi completed his doctoral degree at the University of Tsukuba's Graduate School of History and Anthropology in 1996. After working at the Graduate School of Area Studies, University of Tsukuba, and the Institute for Northeast Asian Research, Shimane University, he began teaching archaeology at Hokkaido University in 2001, becoming a Professor of Archaeology at the Centre for Ainu and Indigenous Studies, Hokkaido University in October 2010. In April 2020 he was appointed as Director of the Centre.
Admission Free | Booking Essential
*Capacity is limited due to space limitation in the Gallery.
