Nousaku, a long-established metal foundry in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, will hold "Nousaku Exhibition 2013," an exhibition showcasing the sophisticated world of craftsmanship, from May 31 to June 25 at EYE OF GYRE, an art space in Omotesando, Tokyo.
For this third exhibition, interior stylist Tomomi Nagayama visited Nousaku's workshop in Takaoka and unearthed traditional cast metal pieces that had been lying dormant in the depths of the warehouse, then upcycled them. Buddhist altar vases have been transformed into lighting fixtures, and flower vases into candlesticks. These old products have been repurposed and styled for the dining table, creating an "Upcycled Dining Table" display.
Also on display will be a new product, "SUZU-RIBBON," and "IMONO CHARACTERS," a collection of approximately 70 surreal and kitschy characters collected from around the workshop, including cat bookends and UFO-shaped wind chimes. The event will also feature a "Production Process Theater" showcasing the casting process through video, as well as sales of new products. Additionally, a concurrent event titled "TAKAOKA CRAFT MOVEMENT" will be held, showcasing Takaoka's efforts to become a city of crafts.

Since its founding in 1916, Nousaku has preserved the casting techniques handed down for 400 years in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, while also actively developing new technologies and products and collaborating with other industries. It continues to convey the appeal of Takaoka copperware to the present day. It has exhibited at Maison & Objet, an international interior design trade fair held in Paris, France, and Ambiente in Frankfurt, Germany, where its high level of skill and unique sensibility have garnered high praise both at home and abroad.

In addition, the restoration project for the chandelier at the main entrance of the Isetan Shinjuku store, which attracted much attention when the store remodeled and reopened on March 6th, is being undertaken by Takaoka craftsmen under the leadership of Nousaku.