Dialogue of light and Washi
-光と和紙の対話-
EXHIBITION - WORKSHOP - CRAFTSMANSHIP
Céline Wright & Hiyoshiya
« COCOON Light »
Since 2024, Hiyoshiya, Céline Wright's official partner in Japan, has been distributing the iconic light fixtures from Cocon collection, handcrafted in our workshop in Montreuil, near Paris.
This collaboration has resulted in an original model designes especially for Japan : the « COCOON Light» pendant light.
Dialogue of light and Washi
-光と和紙の対話-
WORKSHOP
Workshop led by Céline Wright : presentation of the original manufacturing process for Washi paper lighting fixturres, Céline Wright.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Demonstration of the manufacture of a large parasol over 2 metres in diameter by the fifth master craftsman of Kyōwagasa, Hiyoshiya.
EXHIBITION
Scenography ccomposed of Cocons and the Intoyo model made with Kozo paper, the latest creation from Japan.
Preview presentation of a joint creation by Céline Wright and Hiyoshiya : the "Parasol Lotus".
ART PERFORMANCE
Calligrphy performance by renowned Kyoto master Mr. 上田 普, (Mr. Hiroshi Ueta) with Céline Wright.
LIMITED EDITION STAMP
An original stamp commemorating the event "Osaka-Kansai 2025" will be available in a limited edition for two days.
About our partners and guests
Founded during the Edo period, Hiyoshiya is the last workshop stil in operation specializing in the manufacture of « Kyōwagasa » (traditional Kyoto umbrellas). Inheriting techniques passed down through five generations, the workshop manufactures and restores various types of umbrellas. In 2004, Kotaro Nishibori became the fifth director. Guided by the motto « tradition is a succession of innovations », the company develops designed lighting fixtures based on the structure and techniques of wagasa, and operates both in Japan and internationally. Wtih expertise and a network that have multiplied the group's turnover, Hiyoshiya is also developing interior design, consulting, educational and travel activities, contributing to the promotion of traditional indutries and the transmission of expertise on a national scale.
Hiroshi Ueta learned calligraphy from his mother at an early age. After graduating from Shikoku University, he went to study in China. He currently holds the position of special professor at his original University. Based in Kyoto, he is a calligrapher who is dedicated to the fusion of conceptual art, performance, design and his own creations. He has exhibited his work in Japan, Australia, France, and the United States, and has won numerous awards. He collaborated with Céline Wright to present a collaborative series at PARIS DESIGN WEEK 2023, as well as at Kyoto's Nuit Blanche and Villa Kujoyama.
About Céline Wright
For 30 years, Céline Wright has been creating handmade washi paper lamps in her workshop in Montreuil, near Paris, France.
With their light and airy shapes, her creations are inspired by the transparency and diaphanous whiteness of washi paper. Her sensitive and poetic approach is resolutely focused on nature. In response to ecological challenges, Céline Wright is developing increasingly responsible production methods, using natural materials and environmentally friendly products.
From her childhood years spent in Japan, she has retained a particular foundness for Japanese culture. And it was as a resident of Villa Kujoyama in Kyoto for six months in 2022 that Céline was able to deepen her knowledge of washi and push the potential of this traditional Japanese material : two Shelter-Cocoons over 4 meters wide presented at the Kyocera Museum during the Nuits Blanches (White Nights); Unkaï cocoon made of kozo paper - discovered on this occasion -hung from bamboo and installed outdoors at the Villa Kujoyama for more than six months…
Large-scale pieces, land art, experimentation with new papers... Céline Wright's work is resolutely turned towards the land of the rising sun.
