This exhibition is the first major retrospective in Japan introducing the glass artist Yoichi Ohira (1946-2022).

This exhibition is the first major retrospective in Japan introducing the glass artist Yoichi Ohira (1946-2022). Ohira, who was drawn to glass through novels, was captivated by the splendid glass art of Venice and aimed to become an artist. At the age of 26, he traveled to Europe, overwhelmed by the rich tradition and history of Venetian glass, Ohira found his path by collaborating with master glass artisans to create works based on his concepts. After working as a corporate designer, Ohira established his style by skillfully combining transparent and opaque glass designs. Drawing inspiration from Roman mosaic glass and incorporating forms seen in East Asian ceramics and lacquerware, Ohira adeptly harmonized Western classical beauty norms with Eastern craft elements. Having absorbed the history of Venetian glass to its fullest extent, Ohira aimed to fuse the cultures and aesthetic sensibilities of both Japan and Venice. Eventually, he transcended its rich tradition and reached his unique expression of glass art with timeless beauty. In this exhibition, approximately 150 glass artworks from Japan and around the world will be showcased, along with meticulous sketches, drawings, and glass-related materials collected by Ohira himself for research.