Founded during the Tenpo era of the Edo period in 1835, Kyugetsu is a renowned Japanese doll maker with a legacy that spans 189 years. The company will hold a special exhibition at The Nippon Gallery. Kyugetsu is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, creating hina and gogatsu dolls that have long been integral to Japan’s seasonal festivals. The company’s unique strength lies in its “ensemble craftsmanship,” which involves meticulously assembling each artisan’s work into beautifully balanced sets.

Samurai Helmet Decoration Kyoto Style by Kyugetsu

This exhibition will showcase carefully selected masterpieces from Kyugetsu. It will highlight the beauty of Japanese traditional crafts, including dolls created using traditional techniques rooted in various regions of Japan, such as gold leaf, lacquer, dyeing, and weaving. These Japanese dolls exemplify "the harmony of artistry," embodying the essence of traditional craftsmanship.

Such dolls include Hina dolls, which are traditional Japanese dolls displayed in March for Girls’ Day. These dolls represent the imperial court and are meant to wish for health and happiness for girls. There are also Gogatsu dolls (May dolls), which are traditional Japanese dolls displayed in May for Children’s Day. These dolls represent samurai warriors and are meant to wish for strength and good health for boys. Additionally, guests will see elegant Oyama dolls that represent the grace of women, as well as vibrant Renjishi dolls inspired by classical performing arts.

Japan has a long-standing tradition of gifting dolls to celebrate occasions like births and weddings. Beyond mere toys or decorations, dolls are cherished symbols of Japanese culture and customs. Harmony of Artistry offers an exceptional opportunity to appreciate the culmination of Japanese traditional crafts through dolls while also experiencing the spirit of Japan that has been passed down through generations.

Kimekomi Decoration "Anima Rhinoceros" by Kyugetsu

The Nippon Club Gallery Hours

Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday

For more information, please visit The Gallery’s website or contact the Gallery at 212-581-2223.

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Find Handmade Crafts at Katagiri This Weekend

Valentine’s Day Craft Fair

Saturday, February 10 from Noon until 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 11 from Noon until 4:00 p.m.

Katagiri – 224 E. 59th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)

Admission: Free

Niji Japanese Artist Pop Up Shop is having its first craft fair at Japanese grocery store Katagiri. At this two-day event, artists will be offering dried flowers, handmade accessories, and kimono bags. Find the perfect gift for your Valentine while shopping for Japanese groceries!

Participating Artists

fancy pop
Cute handmade jewelry and accessories made of resin and air-dry clay including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair pins, and more!

Bead Factory Ever Green/ビーズ工房 Ever Green
Origami accessories (earrings and hair ornaments) that can be used for both casual and formal occasions.

水引装飾Twilight
Mizuhiki accessories made from a traditional Japanese paper string used for celebrations and as a decoration to wish for happiness.

ryuroru
ryuroru creates accessories with 925 silver for all ages and all genders. The main concepts behind the brand are sea, space, and simple.

MEINFINITY
Handbags made from Japanese fabrics that let you carry a piece of Japanese culture with you.

Heartfish
Heartfish Press is a creative studio located in Brooklyn, specializing in letterpress printing and floral design. The studio offers a variety of letterpress prints, cards, and custom design services that involve creating floral designs using dried flowers.

About Niji

NYK Marketing, based in New York, is a marketplace that serves as a bridge connecting Japanese artists with people from around the world. It was born from the desire to expand the reach of Japanese artists globally.

Their main platform is the e-commerce site niji, where you can purchase artworks by various artists from around the world. They also organize the Japanese Artist Pop Up Shop events, where customers can meet the artists in person.

About Katagiri

The oldest Asian grocery store in New York, Katagiri has been selling Japanese fish, meats, produce, and snacks since 1907. They have two Manhattan locations: the original store on E. 59th Street and one near Grand Central.

Katagiri 59th Street
224 E. 59th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)
Phone: 212-755-3566
Hours: Every day from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Katagiri Grand Central
370 Lexington Avenue, Suite #107
Phone: 917-472-7025
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Renowned Japanese Doll maker to Exhibit at The Nippon Club

Harmony of Artistry: Japanese Kyugetsu Dolls and Traditional Crafts