Creme de la creme, a beautiful event space in the Shibuya area of Tokyo, is hosting an exhibition of Japanese calligraphy artist Maaya Sho. Jinguryugu is a mix of Sho’s work, ranging from large-scale pieces to designs for sake bottles, fans, and T-shirts.
Sho’s representations of tigers and bamboo hang on creme de la creme’s stunning poured-concrete and exposed-brick walls, some on stark white paper, some on plastic, and some mounted on traditional Japanese scrolls. Sprinkled throughout are grand flower arrangements by Maki Kawamura.
I attended the event on Tuesday and had the opportunity to speak with Sho, who at one point lived in NYC’s East Village for eight months, and Kawamura. Sho is quite engaging with a sharp sense of humor and a good command of English. Kawamura, who speaks only Japanese, described how some of her ikebana works took two days to create.
The show runs through Sunday, April 8. If you’re in Tokyo, I encourage you to see it.










