【Kyogen】Elevating Kamon into Art: “Bonds and Lines: The Wonder of Kyogen” Exhibition in Kyobashi

Kamon, or family crests, are believed to have originated during the late Heian period when imperial culture flourished. These uniquely Japanese designs, composed of circles and lines, serve as emblems passed down through generations. With over 50,000 distinct types, the diversity is astonishing. Kyogen, founded in 1910, has introduced digital technology to kamon under its third-generation head, Shoryu Hatoba, blending traditional Japanese hand-drawn designs with a contemporary aesthetic to create original art. The exhibition “Bonds and Lines: The Wonder of Kyogen,” which began on November 23, 2024, features numerous works centered on Mon-Mandala-Art, a new technique developed by Kyogen. This method uses circles and lines to depict a wide array of motifs, showcasing the evolution of Kyogen’s craft. The exhibition offers a glimpse into Kyogen’s world, where modern original kamon transcend genres, earning popularity through collaborations with domestic and international companies, brands, and artists.

The exhibition is divided into two parts. The first, “Kyogen and Kamon,” takes a retrospective look at Kyogen’s history, with works themed around family crests both on display and on sale.

The second part of the exhibition, “Mon-Mandala-Art,” highlights the innovative Mon-Mandala technique created by Shoryu Hatoba, featuring collaborative works with a variety of brands and artists from Japan and abroad.

The exhibition as a whole connects Kyogen’s kamon art with its historical ties to Kyobashi, reflecting the enduring bond and infinite possibilities symbolized by circles and lines. Why not take a moment to visit and experience the timeless beauty of centuries-old heritage of Japan’s family crests?

【Exhibition details】
November 23, 2024 (Sat) – January 12, 2025 (Sun)
Closed Mondays (Year-end/New Year closure: December 31, 2024 – January 5, 2025)
“Bonds and Lines: The Wonder of Kyogen”
Venue: BAG-Brillia Art Gallery (1F Tokyo Tatemono Kyobashi Building, 3-6-18 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Time: 11:00–19:00
Attendance Fee: Free
https://www.brillia-art.com/bag/

Organizer: Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd.
Planning and Supervision: Chokoku-no-Mori Art Foundation

◾️Products handled by the Edo Tokyo Kirari online store
https://www.store.kirari.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/category/select/bid/11

◾️Business Information
Business URL
https://www.kyogen-kamon.com/

EC site
https://kyo-gen.stores.jp/

Instagram
kyogen_kamon

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@HatobaShoryu