On top of a mountain looking over a lake, there stands a traditional house with no running water nor gas. In this self-sufficient environment lives the potter, the painter and the chirographer: Kenichi Takanaka. With his family and a dozen or so farm animals including goats, pigs and chickens, Takanaka expresses what happens in his everyday life in his artwork.

Once again, A&S is hosting Takanaka’s exhibition in Tokyo and Kyoto. Using a toreutic technique which uses a graver to hammer small circular patterns, Takanaka creates “nanako” earthenware and vases. Along with these works, his hanging scroll made in collaboration with A&S will also be exhibited. Please come and enjoy the unique world celebrating the fusion of meticulous craftsmanship and witty motifs.


At the bottom of the valley, dogs bark and monkeys squeak.
On top of the mountain is myself, practicing zazen with my wife nearby.
Without any sound of its wings, an owl silently passes by
the left side of my wife
to disappear into the glorious morning sun rising above the mountain…
Today is going to be another fine day! ——— Kenichi Takanaka