Kosho Nemoto

Born and raised in Tokyo, in the culturally vibrant district of Kameido, Kosho Nemoto discovered his calling in the world of craftsmanship amidst a period of wandering in search of a profession that would allow him to express himself. The passing of his grandfather, Yukio Nemoto, a master craftsman in the Edo Kiriko industry and the first person in this field to receive a distinguished Japanese honor for his significant contributions, marked a crucial turning point for Kosho. Inspired by his grandfather's legacy, Kosho decided to join the family business at the age of 25.

Guidance from his father, Tatsuya Nemoto, who was a craftsman of offerings for the Emperor, was quite literally "learn by observing my back." The days of intently watching his father's skilled hands marked the beginning of Kosho's journey. As he continued to diligently hone his craft, Kosho gradually established his own distinctive style.

Within just three years, his debut at the most prestigious competition for this craft type earned his work an award. This marked the beginning of his journey as a glass artist, with a vision to evolve "from craft to art”, the motto he lives by. Kosho upholds the revered traditions of Edo Kiriko, a Japanese art form defined by sharp edges, precise and intricate patterns, and a lustrous sheen achieved only through hand-polishing.

Edo Kiriko traces its origins back to 1834, in the Edo period (1600-1868). It all started in the bustling streets of Ōdenma Town in Tokyo, where a humble glass shop owner first used emery to intricately carve designs onto glass surfaces. As Japan transitioned into the Meiji era (1868-1912), the traditional Edo glass technique elegantly blended with Western glass-cutting methods, resulting in the creation of Edo Kiriko. In today's era, with Edo Kiriko being an even more exceptional treasure, we find ourselves drawn to Kosho, a key architect in its evolution.

"The joy you find in my work is the source of my own happiness.”

For him, the true measure of his work’s worth is not gauged by material gain or the efficiency of his methods, but in the heartfelt dedication embedded in every piece, a sincere gesture of respect to those who treasure his unique creations. This ethos, rooted in the legacy of his grandfather, is a lineage steadfastly carried forward. Fusing cutting-edge techniques with supreme craftsmanship, Kosho skillfully manipulates his art, embodying the sincere attitude and precise skills of the Japanese, and utilizing the latest tools to create works of ultimate art that resonate with future generations. His sharp yet enchanting cuts revive Japan's reputation as a land of artistic mastery.

"When I begin cutting, I only have a rough idea of the larger cuts. My hands flow like natural water streams, shaping and transforming the form as I go. It's this spontaneity that truly allows me to express myself.”

With a delicate interplay of exquisite curves and intricate patterns, the work of Kosho embodies a blend of tenderness and intense tension that captivates the beholder, transcending the passage of time with its overwhelming worldview. The moment one's eyes meet and hands touch his creations, there is an awakening of dormant senses, a testament to the persistent, honest effort and dedication honed over years of meticulous craftsmanship. 

 

Kosho’s art is a profound reminder of the simple coexistence with nature, akin to the essence of life itself—fire and water, elements born of nature, sometimes taking away what is precious. To live is to always be in close company with life itself. The ultimate art, as Kosho envisions, is about harmoniously existing with nature.

Continuously pushing boundaries and crafting environments that connect discerning individuals with genuine creators, Kosho’s motto, "From Craft to Art," represents not just a theme but a bridge across borders, uniting the creator and the connoisseur in a shared journey of artistic exploration and appreciation.