Close

Biology of Metal at Japan House London looks at metal craftsmanship in Tsubame-Sanjo

Craftsman in Tsubame-Sanjo workshop stands proudly among tools, highlighting Japan's rich metal craftsmanship in Biology of Metal exhibition.

© Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival Committee

Biology of Metal: Metal Craftsmanship in Tsubame-Sanjo is a new exhibition at Japan House London, launching this September as part of London Design Festival. On show for the first time in the UK, it will explore the innovative craftsmanship and ancient skills of some of Japan's most talented metalworkers.

Providing a unique insight into the evolution of this timeless Japanese craft, the exhibition explores how artistry and small industry are embedded in tradition and the ways in which technology has evolved and embraced the new to adapt to a changing society.

Tsubame-Sanjo is a region of Japan famous for its metal works, factories and workshops and produces a huge variety of products including the majority of Japan's cutlery. This show is inspired by the annual Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival (Kouba no Saiten) initiative when each October, factories and workshops open their doors to visitors to offer the rare opportunity to see craftspeople at work and experience metalworking for themselves.

Biology of Metal: Metal Craftsmanship in Tsubame-Sanjo will launch at Japan House London on Thursday 6 September and run until Sunday 28 October 2018. For more information, visit japanhouselondon.uk.

Metal-crafted blue straps hang against a textured backdrop, showcasing traditional craftsmanship from Tsubame-Sanjo at Japan House London.
Craftsman holding welding equipment, showcasing traditional metal craftsmanship in Tsubame-Sanjo at Japan House London exhibition.
Dynamic flames with purple hues, illustrating the craftsmanship of metalwork at the Biology of Metal exhibit in Tsubame-Sanjo.
Various metal utensils displayed on a textured surface, showcasing Tsubame-Sanjo's metal craftsmanship at Japan House London.
Assorted metal spoons displayed on a metallic surface, showcasing craftsmanship from Tsubame-Sanjo at Japan House London.
Craftsmen at work in Tsubame-Sanjo, showcasing traditional metal craftsmanship in a bustling workshop environment.
Hand holding tongs lifts glowing metal from a container, illustrating traditional metal craftsmanship in Tsubame-Sanjo at Japan House London.
Collection of traditional metal tools displayed on a wooden wall, showcasing craftsmanship from Tsubame-Sanjo at Japan House London.
Traditional metal tools displayed on a craft surface, showcasing Tsubame-Sanjo's expert metal craftsmanship.
Craftsman welding metal with sparks and smoke, showcasing traditional metal craftsmanship from Tsubame-Sanjo at Japan House London.