Drawing on the work of Taizo Kuroda, Zen, mingei (the Japanese folk-craft movement), and Kantian philosophy, this book asks: What is beauty? What is the fundamental meaning of making?
Lacquer artist Akito Akagi and fashion designer Hiroyuki Horihata engage in a series of dialogues with diverse guests, probing toward the core of these questions.
An updated theory of craft that digests and renews mingei for the present.
Akito Akagi
Lacquer artist
Born in Okayama Prefecture in 1962. After graduating from the Philosophy Department of Chuo University, he worked as an editor before moving to Wajima in 1988. He trained under the guidance of Okamoto Susumu, a foundation artisan of Wajima lacquerware, and became independent in 1994. Since then, Akagi san has been creating utensils in Wajima and holding solo exhibitions in various locations.
His published works include "Beautiful Things," "Beautiful Matters," "21st Century Folk Crafts," and co-authored works such as "Lacquerware for Everyday Use" etc.
Hiroyuki Horihata
Designer of the fashion label matohu.
Born in Sakai, Osaka. Completed the master’s program (Philosophy) at Doshisha University Graduate School of Letters after earning a B.A. in Letters from Doshisha University; later graduated from Bunka Fashion College (Apparel Design). Worked as a pattern maker at Comme des Garçons. After five years, moved to the U.K. to work on the London Collections. Upon returning to Japan, co-founded matohu in 2005 with the concept of “creating new clothing grounded in Japanese aesthetics,” and has shown regularly at Tokyo Collection since 2006.
Publisher Sekkou Stillmind
Published 2024
Pages 363
Size 210 x 148 mm
