Nicolai Bergmann, a flower artist and close friend of Charlie Weiss, the gentleman known for his "Leica in one hand, flowers in the other," has collaborated with Ishikawa Prefecture's traditional crafts, which combine rich nature and outstanding artistic culture with the times to produce world-class crafts such as kimonos (Kaga Yuzen), suits (Ushikubi Tsumugi), Kutani ware, and Wajima lacquerware. The collection, which Nicolai created while exchanging ideas with artists during his visit to Kanazawa, will be exhibited and sold from March 2nd (Wednesday) on the 8th floor at THE GALLERY by CHALIE VICE.


Creating new traditions that will connect to the future.

Charlie Weiss says, "There's a saying, 'Adding flowers to brocade.' If we borrow this saying, which likens adding something beautiful to something even more beautiful to flowers and brocade, then Nicolai Bergmann is a genius at finding the 'brocade' that makes flowers even more beautiful. In his hands, both flowers and brocade transcend their own beauty and open up new horizons."

-- In October 2014, Nikolai held the "Traditional Blooming: A Fusion of 1100 Years of Tradition and Innovative Flower Art" exhibition at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Homangu Kamado Shrine. This time, however, you're taking on the challenge of Ishikawa Prefecture's traditional crafts.


My image of Ishikawa Prefecture was "Kanazawa, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa," but this time, I had the pleasure of interacting with many artisans, and it was very interesting. I respect artisans of all genres who dedicate their lives to meticulous work every day, starting from when they were children. However, the industry is facing challenges such as an aging workforce and succession problems, so I felt that we must work to generate more interest in traditional crafts at this crucial time for them.

—So you felt that traditional crafts needed a breath of fresh air?

That's right. There are certainly young artisans, but if we don't adapt to the times, we'll be left behind. Japanese traditional crafts are attracting attention from all over the world, but it's not enough to just preserve tradition. Adding new elements can't be done in a day, but we have to challenge history. Kaga Yuzen, Ushikubi Tsumugi, Kutani ware, and Wajima lacquerware all have histories that make them worthwhile challenges.



A family crest based on a hydrangea, with the initials hidden within.

—For example, how did you approach the challenge?

Wajima lacquerware, which has been passed down in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture since the Edo period (around the Kyoho era), is made by applying lacquer, but my initial idea was to propose using only the raw wood without lacquer. I wanted to create a new image for tableware, but I was told that "without lacquer, its uses will be limited." However, people were surprised by the combination of lacquered surfaces on the tiered boxes. Also, for the scarves, I used hydrangeas, which I love, as a motif, and designed original designs that capture the beauty of various hydrangeas, including double-flowered varieties. The result is a high-quality item.

—The family crest on the vessel is lovely.


For this collaboration, we created a family crest that incorporates the initials "NB" within a hydrangea, which is the theme of the project. While hydrangeas are often associated with the rainy season in May and June for Japanese people, they are actually available all year round, come in various sizes, and their colors change with the seasons. Some hydrangeas even change color in the autumn.

—What sparked your love for hydrangeas?

About 20 years ago, I saw hydrangeas in Kamakura and thought, "Wow!" Since then, the image of my connection to Japan has been the hydrangea. I also used hydrangeas as a motif for my kimono, but I think the mix of various colors, patterns, and designs gives it an atmosphere of innovating Japanese tradition.


The joy of conversations expanding through objects.

--This time the exhibition is being held at THE GALLELY by CHALIE VICE on the 8th floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . Could you tell us what the highlights are?

Denmark, where I'm from, is famous for its design, and a major characteristic of all of it is that it's "a design that feels good to use." There's a lot you can only understand about design by using it, so I'm interested to see how the male customers at Isetan will use things like Wajima lacquerware bento boxes and dishes. Maybe they'll use the bento boxes as collection boxes for watches, or to store their favorite ties, or to display flowers in the dishes. I hope they'll find all sorts of creative ways to use them.

—Could you also tell us about the special features and details in the production of each product?

I strive to make both the front and back of my creations equally beautiful, so I hope you'll take a good look at the back of things like bento boxes and dishes. Also, things in this world don't last long just because they're beautiful. I hope you'll actually wear them, use them, and enjoy the conversations that arise from that. My own flower concept is "conversation through objects." There's nothing more wonderful than being able to convey emotions and feelings. This time, all of these are traditional crafts representing Ishikawa Prefecture, so I hope you'll learn about their respective historical backgrounds and use them as modern-day "beauty in utility."

Chalie Vice meets Nicolai Bergmann's Works "Nishikijosouka"
□March 2nd (Wednesday) - March 15th (Tuesday)
□THE GALLERY by CHALIE VICE

Limited edition scarf in collaboration with Kaga Yuzen.
Custom-made original suits using Ushikubi silk; vases and cups & saucers made by Kutani ware artisans; original Wajima lacquerware tableware sets with family crests (sets including bowls and trays).
others

Photo: Ozawa Tatsuya

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