[Newsletter Vol.006] From Taiwan to Kyoto: A Curious Connection with SHIMADAI GALLERY, a Venue that Weaves History
KEITA KAWASAKI
Newsletter
Vol.006
Hello, everyone.
This is the “KEITA KAWASAKI HANA GRAPHIC ART Exhibition” Secretariat.
Today, ahead of the “KEITA KAWASAKI HANA GRAPHIC ART Exhibition in KYOTO” this October,
we would like to tell you about the very special venue that will host it.
This year’s solo exhibition will be held at SHIMADAI GALLERY, standing quietly in the heart of Kyoto.
SHIMADAI GALLERY（https://shimadai-gallery.com/）
A place where tradition and beauty have lived on since the Edo period
Located just beside the Karasuma-Oike intersection, SHIMADAI GALLERY is a large Kyoto machiya townhouse. Step inside, and
a serene, dignified air makes you forget the bustle of the city.
Its history reaches all the way back to the early Edo period, to Keicho 13 (1608).
Originally founded as an itowappu-sho (a licensed raw silk trading merchant),
from the mid-Edo period it flourished as a sake wholesaler handling the celebrated brand “Shimadai.”
SHIMADAI GALLERY（https://shimadai-gallery.com/）
The present building was constructed in Meiji 16 (1883) and is regarded as a pinnacle of traditional machiya architecture.
Its beautiful form has earned it designation as a nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property and as one of the “Buildings and Gardens that Color Kyoto” — an exceptionally precious historical structure.
The deep tones of timber aged over centuries, the latticework that showcases the artisan’s craft, and the beautifully tended inner garden——
This space, in which the traditional beauty of Japan is distilled, will be the stage for this exhibition.
SHIMADAI GALLERY（https://shimadai-gallery.com/）
From Taiwan to Kyoto.
A connection between historic buildings that transcends time
In truth, when this venue was decided, all of us on the staff could not help but feel a mysterious and powerful sense of connection.
Some of you may still remember that last year’s “HANA GRAPHIC ART Exhibition” was held at
Xin Fang Chun Tea House in Taipei, Taiwan, where it received a tremendous response.
Xin Fang Chun Tea House once flourished as a sacred site of Taiwanese tea, and today it is designated as a historic building by the City of Taipei — a truly precious structure.
Xin Fang Chun Tea House in Taipei, Taiwan. It is now operated as a museum conveying the life of the era.
From Xin Fang Chun Tea House, which has quietly watched over the history of Taiwanese tea, to SHIMADAI GALLERY KYOTO, which carries Kyoto’s traditions into the present day.
The countries differ, yet both share one thing in common: they are historically precious buildings that have been loved by people and carefully preserved.
Perhaps the particular warmth that old buildings hold, and the dense atmosphere built up from the feelings of countless people, resonate with one another.
A historic space cherished across the ages, and the “brilliance of a single moment of life” in plants that Keita Kawasaki captures in two dimensions (HANA GRAPHIC ART).
Our hearts are already racing at the thought of what kind of chemistry will occur when these two come together in Kyoto.
With respect for what is old and good, we are preparing an exhibition space that you can enjoy with all five senses.
We hope you will look forward to it.
We sincerely look forward to meeting you all in Kyoto this autumn.
