Edo Tokyo Kirari Project Works to be displayed at the International MAISON & OBJET Exhibition in Paris

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government （TMG） is pleased to announce that the works of twelve traditional craftmakers, representing the “Edo Tokyo Kirari Project” will be on exhibit this January in Paris at the “MAISON & OBJET PARIS 2024,” recognized internationally as the premier interior and design trade show. The event will also include collaborative works created together by designers from Tokyo and Paris.
The Edo Tokyo Kirari Project was created in order to promote the traditional skills and products of long-established makers of Edo-era goods, presenting them from a new perspective as representative brands of Tokyo to convey their value and beauty to people throughout Japan and the world.
In August 2021, Governor Koike and Mayor Hidalgo issued a joint declaration of collaboration between TMG and Paris. This included plans for representatives of the Edo Tokyo Kirari Project to work together with designers affiliated with the Bureau du Design, de la Mode et des Métiers d'Art （BDMMA） of Paris during 2023, on a “collaborative creation of new products.” The results of this partnership will also be on display at MAISON & OBJET PARIS 2024.
In addition to the exhibition, a business conference will be held that will also serve as a promotion for the Edo Tokyo Kirari Project and collaborative works. It will take place at the historic Hôtel de Lauzun, which is owned by the city of Paris.

The Joint Production Project with Paris Designers

Six enterprises belonging with the Edo Tokyo Kirari Project have collaborated with designers affiliated with the Bureau du Design, de la Mode et des Métiers d'Art （BDMMA）^※ of Paris to create new products that blend their styles together.

※BDMMA is a design industry incubation facility run by the city of Paris, made up of 30 to 40 professional designers chosen by a strict selection process each year.

Junishi （Douze animaux du zodiaque）

Ibasen （Edo-style uchiwa and sensu fans） & Jacques Averna

Fans illustrated with the 12 animals of the zodiac. As the fans unfold, the animals stretch to fill the entire space, creating a caricature that is both fun and mysterious.

SENS

Kimoto Glass Tokyo （Edo-style kiriko cut glass and glassware） & AC/AL

Vessels designed to highlight the enjoyment of Japanese sake. The carafe and glasses both feature distinctively thick bottoms that add weight and enhance the enjoyment of sake’s delicate flavors.

Hinode and O-tsukimi

Tatematsu （Edo-style kumiko woodworking） & Nelson Fossey

Handmade wall-mounted and standing mirrors, constructed using kumiko, a traditional woodworking technique. The effect created is reminiscent of an abstract landscape illuminated by sunlight.

The Onde tray and the Galbe centerpiece

Chikusen （yukata and dyeing patterns） & AC/AL

Trays and centerpieces that make use of traditional Chikusen textiles. Fabrics used in kimonos are combined with other materials to create modern designs.

Minamo

Hanashyo （Edo-style kiriko cut glass） & Nelson Fossey

This whiskey glass was inspired by the movement of water flowing down a stream. The pattern for this series combines the transparency of glass with color to create the illusion of flowing, endless movement.

Instantanés

Marukyu Shoten （chusen-dyed items） & Jacques Averna

Tapestries made with the chusen technique to capture a moment in time, such as a candle melting. Both sides of the fabric are dyed, a characteristic of this technique, to create a symmetrical image.

About the Maison & Objet Exhibition

Event Dates

From Thursday, January 18 until Monday, January 22, 2024

Model Companies Displaying Their Work （12 companies）

• Carré Moji （interior calligraphy）
• Chikusen （yukata and dyeing patterns）
• Hanashyo （Edo-style kiriko cut glass）
• Hirose Dyeworks （Edo-style dyeing）
• Ibasen （Edo-style uchiwa and sensu fans）
• Kimoto Glass Tokyo （Edo-style kiriko cut glass and glassware）
• Marukyu （chusen-dyed items）
• Matsuzaki Doll （Edo-style kimekomi dolls）
• Ryukobo （Edo-style kumihimo braiding）
• Tatematsu （Edo-style kumiko woodworking）
• Uno Brush （brushes and paintbrushes）
• Yotsuya Sanei （zori sandals）

Reception at the Hôtel de Lauzun in Paris

Date and Time

Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 12:30 pm until 5:00 pm

Venue

Hôtel de Lauzun, 17 Quai d'Anjou, 75004 Paris

Content

• Greetings from Paris and Tokyo
• Introduction of the Edo Tokyo Kirari Project
• Introduction of collaborative works from Paris- and Tokyo-based designers

※A tour of the Hôtel de Lauzun is also planned

Attendees

Buyers who have been invited to Paris （planned）

What is the Edo Tokyo Kirari Project?

Established in 2016 by the Edo Tokyo Kirari Project Promotion Committee, the project promotes Tokyo’s treasures: the traditional crafts and techniques still practiced by many businesses with roots going back to the Edo era. Enterprises are selected not only for their quality and beauty, but also for how they represent new, inspired approaches to fulfilling contemporary lifestyle needs. These selected works are highlighted as model projects, to be shared with the world and effectively promoted to provide a new perspective and enhanced value. Between 2017 and 2023, 39 model projects have been selected.
By refining and disseminating model projects, we aim to establish the Tokyo brand, revitalize Tokyo as the home of manufacturing, improve the appeal of traditional industries, and pass on skills.

Edo Tokyo Kirari Project key links

Website( External link )

Website

Instagram( External link )

Instagram
Account name:edo_tokyo_kirari

Facebook( External link )

Facebook
Account name:Edo Tokyo Kirari

※Reference(PDF:321KB)
※Please click here for the original Japanese release.