Together, brothers Hajime (b.1948) and Yasuo Ishikura (b. 1953) have developed iron molding techniques unrivaled in contemporary Japanese functional art. The simple structure and iconic rustic-black burnish are characteristics of the Ishikura brothers’ hammering techniques. Forged at their shared studio in Shiga prefecture, the metalworks of Hajime and Yasuo Ishikura were featured in international metal design exhibitions and publications in Germany and Japan. The Ishikura brothers’ architectural integrations and forged artworks are in Hita City’s cultural center, the Kurashiki Central Hospital, and Toranomon Shiva Church.
Installations and Collections:
Wacoal Ginza Art Space, Tokyo
An Exploration of Iron Through the Senses (Glasgow, Scotland)
Third International Metal Designers' Exhibition, (Allgau, Germany)
Published in Metall Design International
Published in Verlag HEPHAISTOS, Germany
Ichihodo, Zakurozaka, Tokyo
International Asian Art Fair, New York, USA
Yamaki Bijutsu, Fushimi-cho, Osaka
Master Piece London (London, UK)
Ginza Ippodo Gallery, Tokyo, Japan
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Center, Japan
Hakodate Trappistine Monastery, Candlestick
Ashiya City Miyagawa Elementary School, Sheep Gate and Sakura Gate
Nagahama City Hikiyama Museum, Ironwork
Tottori Prefectural Budokan, Ironwork
Osaka Shinai College Cathedral, Osaka, Japan Ironwork
Hita City, Oita Prefecture, Relief for Budoria Hita Civic Center
Bench, Kurashiki Central Hospital
Kurashiki, Ivy Square Drawer
Toranomon, Japan Christian Church, Shiba Church, Baptismal Table, Communion Table
"Our journey began when we read an article in a book, and after various encounters and trial and error, we arrived at our current studio. "
–The Ishikura Brothers
