LVMH Métiers d'Art Holds Special Exhibition in Paris Showroom, Presenting New Possibilities for Traditional Japanese Material "Washi"

LVMH Métiers d'Art is proud to announce the upcoming special exhibition "WASHI ~ the art of crafting paper, where tradition unlocks innovation," held at its Paris showroom, "La Main (The Hand)." This exhibition marks the second chapter of "Métiers d'Art du Japon ~ Artistic Craftsmanship of Japan," shining a spotlight on Japan's outstanding craftsmanship. The exhibition reinterprets Washi, a traditional Japanese material, and presents its new possibilities. By examining the past, present, and future of Washi, which has supported Japanese culture for over a millennium, its charm and potential will be unraveled from an international perspective.

Washi is a unique Japanese material still preserved in various production regions across Japan, including Echizen. It has deeply rooted itself in Japanese culture, extending beyond calligraphy and painting to encompass a wide range of fields such as architecture and crafts. In recent years, innovations such as Washi yarn, composites with different materials, foil processing, and fusion with digital technology have advanced, drawing significant international and domestic attention as a next-generation material that creates new value in diverse fields like fashion, interior design, packaging, and architecture.

This exhibition will highlight both the cultural value and industrial potential of Washi, showcasing its multifaceted charm from the unique perspective of LVMH Métiers d'Art. Through collaborations with artists, ateliers, and brands both domestically and internationally, the exhibition will resonate modern sensibilities and innovation with hand-papermaking techniques passed down for over a thousand years, featuring numerous special works created specifically for this event. Furthermore, with the sponsorship of Kyoto Prefecture, many craft businesses from Kyoto, including the Tango region, will participate, introducing new possibilities for Washi expression through craftsmanship that merges inherited regional techniques with contemporary sensibilities.

The exhibition will also feature representative artworks by Eriko Horiki, an artist leading Washi expression. In addition, in agreement with the "KOGEI ARTISTS LEAGUE" initiative by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, which supports young artisans responsible for the next generation of craft culture and technology, new works by three finalists selected through a contest with "Washi" as its theme will be introduced. Through these displays, the exhibition will present Washi's unique expressive power and potential from a new angle.

Modern products and materials utilizing Washi will also be introduced, providing an opportunity to experience products created through collaborations with fashion, interior, and textile companies. Innovative material development initiatives through cross-crafting with different materials, in collaboration with partner companies, including silk Washi and hemp Washi, will be showcased. The exhibition will broadly display materials ranging from unique handcrafted items embodying traditional textures to industrially approached materials aimed at mass production, presenting the potential of Washi in the luxury market and in the context of international design. Furthermore, designs using new materials by "SOSHIOTSUKI," the winner of the 12th LVMH Prize 2025, and leather expressing Washi textures through partner companies' leather tanning technology will also be introduced, demonstrating an attempt to expand Washi from a "material" to a "concept."

The exhibition will be available by appointment from Thursday, May 28, 2026, to Wednesday, June 3, 2026, with a public opening scheduled for Saturday, May 30 (closed on Sunday, May 31).

Through this exhibition, LVMH Métiers d'Art aims to introduce the diverse expressions of Washi, where tradition and innovation intersect, and widely disseminate the potential of Japanese craftsmanship to both domestic and international audiences.

LVMH Métiers d'Art Special Exhibition "WASHI ~ the art of crafting paper, where tradition unlocks innovation"

Exhibition Period: May 28 (Thu) – June 3 (Wed), 2026

Public Opening: May 30 (Sat) only
Closed: May 31 (Sun)

Venue: LVMH Métiers d'Art Showroom "La Main (The Hand)"

Address: 69 Rue Réaumur, Paris 75002

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 *May 30 (Sat) 11:00 – 17:00

Admission: Free

Sponsorship: Kyoto Prefecture

Special Sponsorship: Japan Airlines, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group

Special Cooperation: PFI, Mizuno

Participating Companies / Artists

Art: Eriko Horiki & Associates ▪ MUFG KOGEI Project ▪ Tamiyaradenn ▪ MIKITYPE

Wataru Hatano ▪ Syl

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