Newscast declares upgrade: "HIDA | A Traditional Woodwork Development in Progress," at our online platform
In the heart of Hollywood, the innovative Los Angeles hub stands as a testament to a unique worldwide project, conceived by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Nestled within the bustling Hollywood & Highland centre, it offers more than just a gallery space – it houses a Japanese restaurant, a relaxing library, an event venue, and boasts spectacular views of Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles.
From January 16 to April 12, 2020, the Los Angeles venue is hosting an extraordinary exhibition titled "HIDA | A Woodwork Tradition in the Making." This event showcases the exceptional woodcraft from the Hida region of Japan, a tradition that dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in the natural abundance of high-quality timber from the surrounding forests.
The Hida region, renowned for its skilled artisans and the "Hida Takumi" craftsmanship, has been preserving and refining this tradition for generations. The woodworking techniques here emphasize both form and function, demonstrating masterful joinery without nails and the use of natural wood finishes. The aesthetics of Hida woodcraft reflect Japanese principles of simplicity, natural beauty, and harmony with the environment.
The exhibition features a variety of items, including a chair designed by Sori Yanagi and a branch spoon created by Ibuki Kaiyama. It also showcases collaborations with top contemporary designers such as Enzo Mari and Sori Yanagi. In addition to the displayed pieces, the exhibition aims to guide visitors to experience these themes through displays of regional specialties like Hida-shunkei lacquerware, Ichii wood carving, and mageki (wood bending).
Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd, one of the exhibitors, is a regular exhibitor at the Milan Furniture Fair (Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano). Founded in 1920, Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd is one of Japan's oldest furniture manufacturers and has established an enduring manufacturing culture, embracing sustainability and focused on the future. Their sustainable use of the iconic cedar tree is highlighted in the exhibition, including their revolutionary wood compression techniques for durable furniture.
The Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd prioritizes four core principles: Forest, Human, Time, and Craft. These principles are evident in their approach to woodworking, which emphasizes coexistence with the forest, consideration of human needs, experience enriched through time, and continuous refinement of craft. This commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage has earned Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd acclaim in Japan and abroad, with their designs specifically selected to adorn the Japanese imperial palace.
The exhibition aims to bring awareness and appreciation of Hida's unique woodcraft to an international audience, celebrating both the historical significance and contemporary evolution of Hida woodworking. It positions this craft as a dynamic art form still in development rather than a static historical artifact.
The significance of this tradition lies in the preservation and transmission of traditional woodworking skills, the cultural identity of the Hida region, the influence of Hida woodworking on the global stage, and the integration of traditional techniques with modern design sensibilities, ensuring the craft’s relevance for contemporary users and collectors.
For more information about the exhibition and the Los Angeles venue, visit our website at www.our website. The address for our website Los Angeles is 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028.
- The innovative Los Angeles hub, hosting the "HIDA | A Woodwork Tradition in the Making" exhibition, is not just a gallery space but also houses a Japanese restaurant, a library, an event venue, and offers panoramic views of Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles.
- The Hida region, deeply rooted in centuries-old woodcraft traditions, showcases exceptional skills in woodworking, emphasizing form and function, natural wood finishes, and masterful joinery without nails.
- The forthcoming exhibition at the Los Angeles venue showcases items like a chair designed by Sori Yanagi and a branch spoon created by Ibuki Kaiyama, as well as collaborations with top designers like Enzo Mari and Sori Yanagi.
- Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd, a regular exhibitor at the Milan Furniture Fair, is one of the exhibitors in the exhibition, emphasizing coexistence with the forest, consideration of human needs, experience enriched through time, and continuous refinement of craft.
- The Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd, founded in 1920 and one of Japan's oldest furniture manufacturers, has established an enduring manufacturing culture, focusing on sustainability and innovation.
- In addition to displayed pieces, the exhibition features regional specialties like Hida-shunkei lacquerware, Ichii wood carving, and mageki (wood bending), guiding visitors to experience the themes of simplicity, natural beauty, and harmony with the environment.
- The exhibition aims to bring awareness and appreciation of Hida's unique woodcraft to an international audience, celebrating the historical significance and contemporary evolution of Hida woodworking.
- The event positions this craft as a dynamic art form that is still in development, not a static historical artifact, and emphasizes the preservation of traditional woodworking skills, the cultural identity of the Hida region, the influence on the global stage, and the integration of traditional techniques with modern design sensibilities.
