Yasuko Kanno
Japan

🎉03/10/1965

EDUCATION

1991
MA, Tokyo university of the arts.

1989
BA, Musashino art university, Tokyo.

MEET THE ARTIST

In my early work, I focused primarily on forming metal through techniques such as hammering and inlay. At the time, I
pursued forms that were complete and flawless, forms that appeared hard, polished, unyielding.
Through the experience of raising a child, however, I gradually came to feel that form is not something to be forced into
shape. I began to recognise the value of what is transient, light, and vulnerable, things that ask to be handled gently,
rather than valued for their strength or durability.
My work now seeks to hold the presence of such fragile, unguarded forms, rather than enclosing them within a hard
exterior. Connecting delicate sprue channels, the small pathways through which molten metal travels, has become
central to my practice.

Which materials do you enjoy working with the most, and why?
Casting wax: I love its texture and the scent it releases when melted. It shifts shape with the slightest touch or
temperature change, so working with it takes quiet concentration, and that's what calms me.

Do you work more intuitively or according to a plan?
I work within a planned framework, but I stay open to improvisation, intuitively choosing forms that can
only emerge in that particular moment.

Do you wear jewellery every day? Why or why not?
I don't wear it every day. In daily life, I think of myself, too, as one of the materials.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS

  • 2026 MAD about jewelry (US)
  • 2025 CONTEMPORANIA High Craftsmanship Barcelona (ES)
  • 2025 Itami International Jewellery Competition (2023~2025) (JP)
  • 2024 (Un)Avowable Secrets Exhibition of Alliage (FR)
  • 2024 Japan Jewellery Competition (2004~2024) (JP)
  • 2023 VDW Jewelry Selection 2023 (IT)
  • 2021 Jewelry at Home on Fuorisalone 2021 (IT)
  • 2021 Gioielli in Fermento 20 | 21 (IT)
  • 2019 Gioielli in Fermento 2019 (IT)
  • 2019 JOYA Barcelona Art Jewellery & Object (ES)
  • 2019 Japan Crafts Exhibition (1996~2019) (JP)
  • 2017 Craft Competition in Takaoka (JP)
  • 2015 The 14th International Jewelry Design Contest (KR)
  • 1997 Talente ’97, Munich (DE)

AWARDS

2023
- The First Prize of VDW Jewelry Selection 2023 / Venice
- 2019
Gioielli in Fermento 2019 Award / Italy
- 2016
Japan Jewellery Competition 2016, Judge’s Special Prize / Japan
- 1991
Salon de Plantin Prize of the Tokyo University of the Arts / Japan