Kisaragi Bijutsu Studio

Kisaragi Art Studio/KIMOTO & ASSOCIATES INC. was established in 1995 in Ichikawa, Chiba

as an art laboratory in the aim of widely introducing cutting-edge Japanese painting artists

and their rich sensibilities inside and outside Japan.

The Nihonga that we present has its origin in ancient China mural painting and Chinese fine brush

heavy color painting, and developed in the context of culture unique to Japan.

It is a traditional type of painting also called as mineral painting, glue painting, or heavy color painting.

Nihonga uses washi paper as a support, a plant/animal based nikawa glue as an adhesive.

It is painted by naturally colored mineral stone powder and gold/silver foiling. It is characterized by

sophisticated colors that last for a long time and gritty texture.

Different from Chinese brush painting, the advantage of nihonga is in the numerous

possibilities of material expression that goes beyond two-dimensional, while making various use of

carving, washing and leafing techniques. Furthermore, our artists challenge special materials

such as wood plank, resin and metal, boldly pursuing the infinite possibilities of nihonga.

We work with 30 and more affiliated nihonga artists and launch 90 and more exhibitions

annually at art galleries, luxury department stores and hotels, based on our longtime

relationships and trust with our high-end customers.