Looking back at VERNACLE Gathering #4
The first exhibition of 2026, "VERNACLE GATHERING #04," will be a little different from the usual special exhibitions. It will take place at "gKEYAKIZAKA" in Roppongi Hills, which closed on January 23, 2026. VERNACLE planned the final event for the venue. VERNACLE representative Matsumoto Yuya was responsible for launching "g GIFT AND LIFESTYLE" in 2019, so he was especially excited to be in charge of this closing event.

Holding a two-person exhibition by artists loved by food <br>The two artists we introduced this time, Keicondo and Hiraoka Jin, have one thing in common: they are both loved by chefs. For VERNACLE, who believes that the true essence of tableware is to make food look beautiful and appetizing, it was a special feeling to be able to hold an exhibition of works by these two artists. In order to convey the appeal of these two artists, including the background of their tableware, we recorded a conversation on the final day.

- Both of you are based in Kasama, but what are your thoughts on this joint exhibition?

I've known Kei Hiraoka for 10 years. There's a big pottery market in Mashiko, and I think we first met at the market after the 3/11 disaster. I'm usually there on the first day of solo exhibitions, so I can see the reaction of the customers, but this time it's the last day, so it feels a bit fresh.

Like the Kei Pottery Market, unlike a solo exhibition, I feel like I can see my own work from a different angle when it's displayed alongside the works of other artists. It's been a while since I've seen Hiraoka's work all together, and I've noticed a lot of new things. Also, since I'm in Kasama while I'm creating, I try to go to art museums when I go to events in Tokyo, so I was looking forward to coming this time as well.

- We have been selling Kei's work since gKEYAKIZAKA opened, but the store is closing today. How do you feel about this?

Kei: There were very few large stores in Tokyo that specialized in gifts and lifestyle items, so it's a shame to see it close. In particular, I think the spacious space and gallery-style layout made it a valuable place for artists. This time, I had a kintsugi artist collaborate on my own work, and I think it was also a place for workshops like this and for meeting new artists, so I hope that this essence will be passed on somewhere.

Hiraoka: I think there's a difference between a good shop or gallery and its longevity, but recently I feel like there are fewer places I particularly like. I order osechi (traditional New Year's dishes) from Kansai for New Year's, rearrange them on my own plates, and enjoy them with my favorite alcohol over the first three days of the year. I think places and encounters that enrich our lives through travel and food are really important. It's sad to see the number of places where you can "find something wonderful" decrease. I hope there will be more real places like galleries, not just on social media.

- Please tell us about your future prospects.

Hiraoka: Thanks to you, I've been receiving a lot of orders for tableware, but if possible, I'd like to find time to make pieces other than tableware. As I'm getting older, I'd like to try my hand at larger pieces, taking into consideration my time and physical strength. When I'm busy with work, I can't help but think about the effort it will take, but I'd also like to make flower vases and tea utensils. I think an artist's job is to come up with new expressions, so I want to think about various things so that I don't just focus on making pottery.

Kei: I also want to take on more custom orders this year. Even when restaurants and chefs come to me with inquiries about opening new stores, I'm so busy that I don't have the time to think things through. I feel like that's not good, so I'd like to be able to try new expressions. I also want to travel and be inspired by various things. Last year, I visited Spain and France, where I met many chefs and saw new scenery, which was a great experience.

VERNACLE GATHERING #05 is scheduled to be held!
The two-person exhibition at "gKEYAKIZAKA" saw many works go on to customers. At the Thanks Party, many related parties and guests gathered around the artists, enjoying a lively time and regretting the farewell.

The next "VERNACLE GATHERING" will be held at "Ogikubo Gallery" over three days from Friday, March 20th to Sunday, March 23rd, 2026. This is also a wonderful location, and it is a rare opportunity to see and touch the works of the artists we carry at VERNACLE. Please come and visit us.

< VERNACLE GATHERING #05＞

◇Dates: March 20th (Fri) - 22nd (Sun), 2026
Friday, March 20th: 12:00-19:00
Saturday, March 21st: 11:00-19:00
Sunday, March 22nd: 11:00-18:00

◇Location: Ogikubo Gallery (2-5-8 Amanuma, Suginami-ku, Tokyo)
Approximately 6 minutes walk from the north exit of Ogikubo Station on the JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Tozai Line, and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line

[Artists handled]
・brown supply (coffee beans)
・Hikimonojo639×REWOOD / Hikimonojo639×REWOOD (Woodworking) @hikimonojo639_official @rewoodworks
・Jin Hiraoka (ceramics) @zin_hiraoka
・Jun Yatake / Jun Yatake (metalworking) @jun_yatake
・Kei Condo / Kei Condo (pottery) @keicondo
・Koichi Onozawa / Koichi Onozawa (Ceramic lacquerware) @onozawakoichi
・KUROGANE / Mayo Yoshida (frame) @kurogane_gaku
・Kyoichiro Washizu / Kyoichiro Washizu (Tea dyeing) @kyoichirowashizu
・Oak Petrified Wood @oak_petrifiedwood
・Mai Tagawa (ceramics) @tagawa_mai
・MONO-SOLUM / Takahara Takashi ・ Daikyo Toshihide (Regenerated Bizen Art Piece)
・Morihiko Kawamoto (brush pen art) @moripunn
・Saburo (glass) @saburo1976
・Shuji Nakagawa ( Woodwork )