岐阜県美濃を拠点に制作される川合さん。木の種類や木目を見極め、その特性を生かしながら、盆や箱、椀などの生活道具から家具まで、幅広い作品を手がけています。自身の作品制作と並行して、2016年にはライフスタイルブランド「SOMA」を立ち上げ、日本の森や木の文化を伝える活動を始めました。杉や檜といった国産の針葉樹に着目し、木材としての可能性を探りながら、現代の暮らしに取り入れるためのものづくりに取り組んでいます。木を素材として扱うだけでなく、その背景にある森や、木と人との関わりにも目を向ける川合さん。本展では、盆や箱、茶器などの木工品を中心に、川合さんの手がけるさまざまな作品をご紹介いたします。ぜひご高覧くださいませ。

We are pleased to present an exhibition of woodwork by Masaru Kawai. Based in Mino, Gifu Prefecture, Kawai creates a wide range of works, from everyday objects such as trays, boxes, and bowls to furniture, carefully considering the character and grain of each type of wood. Alongside his own practice, Kawai founded the lifestyle brand SOMA in 2016 to share the culture of Japan’s forests and wood. Focusing in particular on domestic conifers such as cedar and cypress, SOMA explores their potential as materials and seeks ways to bring them into contemporary life. Kawai’s work extends beyond the making of wooden objects to a broader interest in forests and the relationship between people and wood. This exhibition presents a selection of his works, including trays, boxes, and tea utensils. We warmly invite you to visit the gallery and discover his work.