The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation is delighted to introduce the unique works of the acclaimed Japanese artist Haruo Mitsuta to the UK public.

Mitsuta is the only contemporary artist who makes Jizai Okimono (“articulated animals”) – flexible animal figures made from metal pieces, which can replicate the movements of the original animals. Originally they were made by armourers in the late Edo and the Meiji period.

Jizai Okimono have gained some recognition within Japan in recent years, but still belong to a very minor area of traditional Japanese metallic handicrafts. The vast majority of these items were sold abroad, so this exceptional form of art never had the chance to develop its roots within Japan, where it originated. Its presence may have been long lost in the Japanese art scene, but these objects have been collected and cherished by many people outside Japan.

Mitsuta will be showcasing some of his most impressive and startlingly realistic pieces in this exhibition.

About the contributors
Haruo Mitsuta
Haruo Mitsuta (b. 1980) was born in Yonago, Japan. He has won several awards, including the Grand Prize of “The 2nd Art Plaza Grand Prize – Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music” in 2007. Mitsuta’s solo exhibitions include: “JIZAI”, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, Tokyo (2010, 2012, 2014). Group exhibitions include: “Moeglichkeit II”, Radium von Roentgenwerke AG, Tokyo (2009) and “KOH-JUTSU”, Spiral, Tokyo (2010).

Private View: JIZAI by Haruo Mitsuta
Tuesday 16 April 2019 6:00pm – 8:00pm
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Artist Talk: Haruo Mitsuta in conversation with Giuseppe Piva and Manuela Moscatiello
Friday 10 May 2019 6:00pm – 8:00pm
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