A new exhibition space, the Nagase Viita Gallery, has opened on the grounds of the Hayashibara Museum of Art, whose operations are supported by Nagase Viita.
It is located in the East Storehouse (Higashigura), a traditional kura-style structure used by the Ikeda family—the former lords of the Okayama Domain—since the Meiji period. Previously closed to the public, the building has been renovated and reborn as an open and accessible art space to mark the 60th anniversary of the museum’s opening.
The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, the first New Work Open Call Exhibition “Palm (Tanagokoro),” will be held from February 7 to March 29, 2026.
Conceived around the concept of “Art in the Palms of Your Hands,” the exhibition supports emerging craft artists and promotes the ongoing evolution of traditional crafts. The exhibition is intended to continue as a triennial, with open calls held every three years, each focusing on a different craft discipline.
The theme of this first edition is lacquer art, one of Japan’s most distinguished traditional crafts. Renowned for its exceptional techniques and refined aesthetics, lacquer art has garnered attention both in Japan and internationally, particularly in Europe and North America.
From a total of 70 submissions, 10 award-winning works and 24 selected works—a total of 34 pieces—will be exhibited to the public.
Nagase Viita is pleased to support this exhibition as a sponsor and has established the Nagase Viita Award, bearing the company’s name.
The award-winning works will be displayed at the venue throughout the exhibition period.
Exhibition Information
Dates:
February 7 (Sat) – March 29 (Sun), 2026
Organized by:
Hayashibara Museum of Art
Sponsored by:
Mokutan Works LCC.
Nagase Viita Co., Ltd.
Venue:
Nagase Viita Gallery
(located on the grounds of the Hayashibara Museum of Art)
Admission:
Free
For further details, please visit the Hayashibara Museum of Art website.
