Craft x Tech Returns to London's V&A with Tokai Region Focus
The Victoria & Albert Museum in London is hosting the second edition of Craft x Tech, which pairs international designers with Japanese artisans, running until 30 September. This initiative, founded by Hideki Yoshimoto and Maria Cristina Didero, aims to introduce non-Japanese designers to the art of Japanese craftsmanship. The upcoming 2024 edition will spotlight Tohoku, followed by an exploration of Tokai in 2026. Didero highlights that the project encourages collaboration rather than mere preservation. Designers such as Philippe Malouin and Atang Tshikare are pushed to innovate; Malouin collaborated with an enamel master, while Tshikare designed a lamp using iga kumihimo. Limited editions of their works are available.
Key facts
- Craft x Tech returns to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London with a second edition.
- The initiative was founded by Japanese creative director Hideki Yoshimoto and Italian curator Maria Cristina Didero.
- The 2024 edition focused on the Tohoku region; the 2026 edition focuses on Tokai.
- Tokai is described by Didero as one of Japan's most industrialised parts, unlike rural Tohoku.
- Crafts involved include lacquer, ceramic, wood carving and weaving.
- London-based Canadian designer Philippe Malouin was paired with an enamel master specialising in a centuries-old technique.
- South African designer Atang Tshikare used iga kumihimo braiding to create an anthropomorphic lamp.
- Works are on sale as limited editions; the exhibition runs at the V&A until 30 September.
Entities
Artists
- Hideki Yoshimoto
- Maria Cristina Didero
- Philippe Malouin
- Atang Tshikare
- Bethan Laura Wood
- David Caon
- Yohei Ito
- Takanori Senda
- Hiroyuki Murase
- Shigeyuki Ando
- Eugene Kangawa
- Mayuki Kato
- Tomoyuki Matsuda
- Masayuki Hayashi
- Marcel Breuer
- Lanzavecchia + Wai
Institutions
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- Craft x Tech
- V&A
- London Design Festival
- Fudogama
- Suzusan
- Ando Cloisonne
- Lanzavecchia + Wai
- Dezeen
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Craft x Tech Tokai Project
- EUGENE STUDIO
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Tohoku
- Tokai
- Aichi Prefecture
- V&A South Kensington