December 23, 2016 – We visited wood craft artist Toshiro Abiko‘s solo show at Knulp AA gallery in Tokyo.
After graduating from high school, Abiko travelled to Nepal and India before arriving in Spain, where he spent time creating lampshades utilising various materials.
After returning to Japan he shifted his focus to woodcraft, creating items such as displayed at the gallery.
Knulp AA, owned by Akihiko Machida, is located in Shakujii Koen, Nerima ward. The gallery now has a large number of followers who love the exquisite ceramic, wood and textile works by artists handpicked by Machida.
The gallery organises exhibitions for these artisans throughout the year.
Stepping into the small gallery, converted by Machida from an old Japanese shop — but still featuring the original shop’s frontage — we were greeted by Abiko’s hand carved wooden bowls, spoons and lamp shades made of different woods which the artist sourced in Ibaraki Prefecture.
The gallery’s ambience, with the low winter sun streaming through the windows, kerosene stove and music created by a local musician added to the welcoming feel.
For more of Toshiro Abiko work head to his page at http://www.geocities.jp/d_lampara/
The gallery also displays various artisan’s works.
