Onishi Gallery, a leading voice in the promotion of KOGEI—contemporary Japanese craft art—is proud to present “KOGEI+ Market,” a thought-provoking exhibition that explores the evolving relationship between Japanese craft traditions and Western fine art.

Japanese officials originally coined the word kōgei in the nineteenth century, when Japan was struggling to makes its presence felt on the world stage. They sought to distinguish kōgei—functional craft objects intended for export—from bijutsu, or fine art, which they hoped would elevate Japan’s image abroad.

They were surprised to discover that it was Japan’s kōgei—much more than prestigious categories such as painting and sculpture—that captivated Western audiences. Japanese-made crafts—textiles, lacquer, metalwork, ceramics, and enamels—won top prizes at great international exhibitions and fueled the phenomenon of japonisme, a widespread fascination with Japanese aesthetics that profoundly influenced European and American artists.

Over a century later, kōgei has become KOGEI, a term with a higher, more exclusive significance, denoting hand-made works made using materials and methods that have stood the test of time but reflect a commitment to personal expression and creative endeavor, to the extent that many would regard works of KOGEI as “art” rather than “craft.”

“KOGEI + Market” juxtaposes historical and contemporary works to illuminate this transformation. Visitors will encounter Western masterpieces such as Fleurs by Balthus (1963), Edouard Vuillard’s Nu de dos (c.1891), and Farm Buildings in Het Gooi, Veiled by Trees (c.1898–1902), an early painting by Piet Mondrian. These will be displayed alongside recent KOGEI pieces in lacquer and metal by Hagino Noriko, Oshiyama Motoko, Onihira Keiji, and Murose Kazumi, who holds the prestigious title of Living National Treasure, awarded for his exceptional skill and lifetime achievement in the art of lacquering.

The exhibition also features a panel discussion between David Norman, a renowned figure in the international auction world, Jill Newhouse, a legendary New York dealer in 19th and 20th century European and American works on paper, and gallery owner Nana Onishi. Their insights into the interplay between aesthetics and market value will deepen understanding of how perceptions of craft and art have shifted from the belle époque to the present day.

“KOGEI + Market” is one of an ongoing series of events at Onishi Gallery that support the mission of KOGEI USA, a not-for-profit dedicated to elevating the global reputation of Japanese craft by organizing exhibitions and cultural events at major institutions across the United States and Europe. 

This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with the rich legacy and contemporary vitality of Japanese craft, and to reflect on its place within the broader narrative of global art history.