【3rd – 31st Aug 2018】 Collection of ukiyo-e that inspired Impressionists in collaboration with Japanese Gallery Opening Night: Thu 2 August, 18:00-20:00 CURATOR’S TALK: Thu 2 August, 19:00-20:00 RSVP https://bit.ly/2LqFGUV   Japanese woodblock print, Ukiyo-e, is one of the most significant influences on Impressionism and further developments of Western art. When Japan began international trading after 200 years of isolationist foreign policy in the mid 19th Century, ukiyo-e reached Western Europe with a great impact. Its features of flatness, dynamic composition and clear outline shook many artists such as Monet, van Gogh, Pissarro, Lautrec and Degas. Van Gogh is not an exception, and strongly admired the techniques of Japanese artists, as … Read More

【19th – 31st July 2018】 Pop-up shop, talk and exhibition by Manami Okazaki, the author of Kokeshi, from Tohoku with Love. Kokeshi are traditional wooden dolls that are predominantly made in rural hotspring villages in the Tohoku region. Originally a children’s toy made by farmers, these simple and charming folktoys have captured the hearts of collectors around the world. More than 100 kokeshi will be available, from traditional, orthodox types to kawaii, modern varieties. A rare opportunity to purchase new kokeshi by master artisans in the Tohoku region. Meet the author: Sway Gallery (in store) 19th and 28th July all day. Looking forward to seeing you here! FREE ENTRY Opening … Read More

【28th JUNE – 16th JULY 2018】OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday 28th June 18:00 – 20:00 Please rsvp: https://bit.ly/2IvUPTo PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP: Saturday 30th June 11:00 – 14:00 Printmaking Workshop Printmaker Yoko Kataoka presents her textile work inspired by rural life in the Catalan woods, Spain. “Uraraka” is a Japanese word with a dual meaning: a fine and peaceful day in Spring, or the clear state of a cloudless mind. Yoko hopes that her “Uraraka” works will brighten up your daily life with cheerful colours and feelings, and that her exhibition will be an opportunity for everyone to discover the Uraraka way of living. Artist’s website: www.yokokataoka.net Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11:00 – 19:00 Saturday … Read More

【Mon 18th – Tue 26th June 2018】 Since March 2018 Sway Gallery welcomed a new addition to the collection of beautifully crafted Japanese items: JAPANESE SAKE, in other words NIHONSHU [The drink of Gods and one of the cultural heritages of Japan] In celebration of the brewing tradition, imbedded into Japanese culture for over 2000 years, we would like you to join us during this week, to sample, experience and enjoy the craftsmanship of various Japanese sake makers. Our selection offers old and traditional, new and modern types of sake. Some of the lines are available in the UK for the first time. And during this event, especially selected sake … Read More

【19th – 31st JULY 2018】Pop-up shop, talk and exhibition by Manami Okazaki, the author of Kokeshi, from Tohoku with Love. Kokeshi are traditional wooden dolls that are predominantly made in rural hotspring villages in the Tohoku region. Originally a children’s toy made by farmers, these simple and charming folktoys have captured the hearts of collectors around the world. More than 100 kokeshi will be available, from traditional, orthodox types to kawaii, modern varieties. A rare opportunity to purchase new kokeshi by master artisans in the Tohoku region. Meet the author: Daiwa Foundation (talk and exhibition) 17th July 6-8pm. Sway Gallery (in store) 19th and 28th July all day.

【7th -13th June 2018】OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday 7th June 6pm – 8pm The history of kimono, the national costume of Japan, dates back to ancient times, and techniques such as spinning a cocoon, dyeing and weaving have been passed on from time immemorial. Unfortunately nowadays kimonos are used only during special events. MIYABI and PETIT KIMONO transformed, stitch by stitch, the kimonos that belonged to their ancestors generation after generation into small cute objects and mini-kimono, inspired by Japanese seasons, Japanese food and Japanese traditions. They have successfully exhibited in Japan and in Paris, and this is their first solo exhibition in the UK. ABOUT MIYABI (Masako Ishihara・mother) She has been … Read More