Tokujin Yoshioka is famously known for using reflective and transparent material in his work – think chairs grown from crystals (Spider chair), a table that’s almost invisible (Luminous for Glas Italia), and an entire exhibition dedicated to crystal installations (Crystallize, see our story here).

A work that goes even further back, the Transparent Japanese House from 2002 was more recently the inspiration for a Japanese glass teahouse, which Yoshioka first presented as a small-scale model at Glasstress 2011, at the 54th La Biennale di Vennezia.

The idea behind the teahouse project arises from Yoshioka’s interest in the Japanese view of nature, which is characterised by the way space is perceived, and involves sensing the energies communicated in the environment. He notes that such a sensual appreciation for nature’s intrinsic qualities runs parallel to the rituals found in the Japanese tea ceremony.

As is apt perhaps, given the cultural symbolism of the Japanese teahouse, the KOU-AN project will be exhibited in a monumental location at Seiryu-den, which forms part of the Shoren-in temple in Kyoto, a designated national treasure of Japan.

The teahouse will be built on a platform located 220 metres above ground, with a stunning view over the city of Kyoto.

The exhibition runs from 9 April 2015 – April 2016 (tba) at Shogunzuka Seiryu-den (Shoren-in Temple), 28 Zushiokukacho-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto-city, Kyoto 607-845.

Tokujin Yoshioka
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