Osumi Yukie (b. 1945), Silver Plate Bogetsu (Full Moon), 1994, hammered silver with nunomezōgan (textile imprint inlay) decoration in lead and gold, H. 2 1/4 x Dia. 17 3/4 in. (5.7 x 45 cm)

The Eternal Beauty of Metal, Onishi Gallery
March 16-23
Opening reception March 17, 5-8pm

In celebration of Asia Week New York March 2022, Onishi Gallery presents their anticipated exhibition The Eternal Beauty of Metal. The exhibition’s title reflects the philosophy of Ōsumi Yukie—Japan’s first female Living National Treasure in metal art. Yukie articulates, “ . . . something particularly meaningful about the way that metals can substitute the permanent for the fleeting and transitory, conferring eternity on phenomena that would otherwise have a limited lifespan.” The exhibit features vessels made from gold, silver, platinum, copper, lead, and unique Japanese alloys that are worked using techniques including casting, chiseling, hammering, and overlay.

The Eternal Beauty of Metal showcases the beauty behind these contemporary artists' masterpieces, while enhancing distinct personal modes of expression, unified together by their embrace of traditional methods. Select metalwork artists will be displayed in this exhibit, among artists featured in The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s current exhibit, Japan: A History of Style.

Sako Ryuhei (b. 1976), Mokume-gane Vase 03, 2020, silver, copper, shakudo (alloy-copper, gold) and shibuichi(alloy-copper, silver), H. 9 5/8 x Dia. 6 in. (24.5 x 15 cm.)

The gallery's website includes much engaging information and videos about these art works, the artists that make them, and the techniques employed. Read more, click here