Celine highlights the rich Japanese artistry at the Osaka Kansai World Expo through an involving display
The Celine Maki-e exhibition, showcased at the Osaka-Kansai World Expo 2025, is a captivating display of French luxury and Japanese craftsmanship, rooted in the principles of Zen philosophy. This unique collaboration between luxury fashion house Celine and Hikoju Makie, a renowned group of Japanese artists, highlights the profound influence of Zen on the creative process and the aesthetics of simplicity and elegance.
Zen philosophy, originating from Buddhism, emphasises simplicity, mindfulness, and a deep connection with nature. Its impact on Japanese culture is profound, shaping art, architecture, and design, including the traditional craft of lacquerware. Zen encourages the creation of pieces that embody simplicity, elegance, and the beauty of imperfection, a concept often associated with the wabi-sabi aesthetic.
The collaboration between Celine and Hikoju Makie reflects these principles in several key aspects. Master Takashi Wakayima, a skilled artisan from Hikoju Makie, uses traditional Urushi lacquer techniques to create exquisite pieces, such as the Triomphe art pieces. The intricate process of applying multiple layers of lacquer requires patience, mindfulness, and meditation, aligning with Zen's focus on contemplation.
The fusion of Parisian elegance with Japanese culture in the exhibition brings together the refined aesthetic of Celine with the minimalist yet sophisticated approach of Hikoju Makie. This blend reflects the Zen emphasis on simplicity and the beauty found in restraint.
Contemporary artists, like Soshi Nakamura, have also been involved in the collaboration. Nakamura's "Hands at Work" videos and a film of the same name add a modern layer to the collaboration, highlighting the harmony between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistry. This fusion also reflects Zen's adaptability and openness to evolution while maintaining core principles.
The Celine Maki-e exhibition, housed in the France Pavilion during the Osaka-Kansai World Expo 2025, runs from 13 April to 12 May 2025. The works are displayed alongside exclusive Triomphe bags, art, and video installations, offering visitors a holistic experience that showcases the beauty of combining French luxury with Japanese craftsmanship.
In essence, the Celine Maki-e exhibition is more than just a display of luxury items; it's a testament to the enduring influence of Zen philosophy on the creative process and the aesthetics of simplicity and elegance. It invites visitors to explore the spirituality of craftsmanship and the profound connection between humans, nature, and art.
The collaboration between Celine and Hikoju Makie extends beyond fashion, delving into the realms of home-and-garden decor, showcasing the impact of Zen philosophy on a lifestyle centered around subtle elegance and minimalism. The exquisite Urushi lacquer pieces created by Master Takashi Wakayima, as displayed at the Celine Maki-e exhibition, could grace any modern home, adding a touch of artisanal Japanese beauty to one's living space.
The exhibition, housed in the France Pavilion during the Osaka-Kansai World Expo 2025, also offers exclusive Triomphe bags and art pieces for purchase, seamlessly integrating the refined aesthetic of Celine into one's daily lifestyle, thus continuing the journey of simplistic luxury and Zen-inspired design.
