June 12-July 21
One of the oldest glass-working techniques, pate de verre is a complicated and time-consuming kiln method that involves pressing glass powder into a mold for casting, followed by careful cleaning and polishing. The technique originated with the ancient Mesopotamians and was given its French name during the late 19th century when it saw a European revival due to better kiln and casting technology.
Because of the numerous quick and cheap ways to produce glass items, pate de verre is now rarely produced. Kimiake and Shin-ichi Higuchi are two of today's foremost pate de verre glass artists. They currently live in Nikko but regularly travel globally to share their skills with art students. This exhibition brings together various examples of the Higuchis' work, which is inspired by the couple's everyday surroundings, such as the vegetables that grow in their backyard, other plants, fish and bees.
Kitazawa Museum of Art; 1-13-28 Kogan-dori, Suwa, Nagano. Suwa Stn. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥1,000. 0266-58-6000; bit.ly/kitazawapatedeverre2