Ruka Kikuchi of Lue, Crafting Brass Everyday Objects, Holds Solo Exhibition 'Impromptu' at CIBONE CASE (Ginza)

From July 18 (Sat), CIBONE CASE (Ginza) will host 'Impromptu,' a solo exhibition by Ruka Kikuchi (Kikuchi Ruka), the artist behind 'Lue,' a brand based in Okayama Prefecture that creates brass cutlery and everyday items.

The exhibition presents works born from Kikuchi’s long-standing commitment to crafting daily objects, rooted in her early experiences assisting her father. These pieces reflect her deep desire as a maker to imprint the trace of her own hands into her creations.

(Left) Plate 04 ¥24,200 (tax included) (Right) Bowl 02 ¥48,400 (tax included)

The fluid lines and forms created through etching are not intentional decorations or self-expression, but emerge from accumulated traditional techniques and a personal philosophy of becoming part of nature, like the material itself. The quiet presence found in the subtle balance between familiarity and slight unease when held offers a new perspective while harmonizing with daily life.

(Left) Moabi 05 ¥55,000 (tax included) (Center) Kokutan 01 ¥12,100 (tax included) (Right) Kokutan 02 ¥66,000 (tax included)

Building on the solid technical foundation gained through years of crafting everyday items, Kikuchi has ventured into new forms of expression. This exhibition offers a glimpse into her current artistic position.

From left: Hiroshi Ikai, Ruka Kikuchi

On the opening day, July 18 (Sat), a talk session will be held from 15:00, featuring journalist Hiroshi Ikai, a close associate of Kikuchi. He will discuss the artist’s creative journey from her origins to the present, highlighting her strong dedication to craftsmanship and her flexible, theory-defying mindset.

<Artist Profile>

Ruka Kikuchi

Born in Okayama Prefecture in 1983. Began making accessories under her father’s guidance in 2000. Started crafting cutlery in 2006. Launched the brand Lue in 2010. Currently creates cutlery, accessories, lifestyle goods, and art objects.

Hiroshi Ikai

Born in Nagoya, lived in Paris, now based in Shinjuku. After studying journalism, he moved to France. Upon returning to Japan, he began working as a freelance editor and writer. He conducts interviews domestically and internationally, focusing on design and crafts. He contributes to publications such as ilmm, Casa Brutus, and ELLE DECOR, and collaborates with creators and manufacturers as a planner and copywriter.

CASE : 85 Impromptu Ruka Kikuchi / Lue Period: July 18 (Sat), 2026 – August 2 (Sun)

Hours: 10:30–20:30

Venue: CIBONE CASE (Ginza)

〒104-0061 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo GINZA SIX 4F

2-minute walk from Exit A3 of Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi, and Hibiya Lines)

(Direct underground passage available)

Talk Event: July 18 (Sat) 15:00–

*Admission may be restricted.

Lue HP: https://www.lue-brass.com/

About CIBONE CIBONE is a lifestyle editorial store that proposes unique,魅力-filled objects selected from a free perspective, all under the concept of 'New Antiques, New Classics.' Based in Tokyo and Brooklyn, we collage the passion of making, the connections between people, and the spirit of creation with our own hands. CIBONE not only 'selects' objects but also holds the consciousness to 'create' them, continually questioning 'newness' and 'uniqueness' in a changing world.

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CIBONE CASE (Ginza) Address: CIBONE CASE, 4F GINZA SIX, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061 Hours: 10:30–20:30 Contact: 03-5537-3101 (CIBONE CASE)

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