Tasty morsels of Japanese culture from a hapa writer's perspective.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Peering Through the Bamboo: Ryo Yamashita's Glasses






In my Shibuya Granbell breakfast post below, I mention a small exhibit in the restaurant featuring Ryo Yamashita's glasses. Here are a few photos of the exhibit called "Peering Through the Bamboo" - my favorite are the first pair. These art-glasses are made predominantly of bamboo and metal. He uses the term "Kyoka" for these fanciful designs, meaning "glass that reflects (the beauty of) flowers." I really wanted to buy a pair but didn't dare inquire on price and now I regret it.

Ryo Yamashita is an haute couture eyewear designer. According to this profile from Gallery Ef's site, it takes three to four months to complete a pair of custom-designed glasses. He creates most of the parts by hand, a personal expression against mass-produced products.

You can view Ryo Yamashita's site here.

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