Akiko Kurihara

Japan/Italy, 1975

Akiko Kurihara’s work is typified by quiet wit and fine craftsmanship; each piece tells a story with a language that is spare and eloquent. Born in Sapporo, Japan, Akiko trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, and went on to teach at Hiko Mizuno College of Jewelry in Tokyo. She now lives and works in Milan.

 

“Casual discoveries in daily life, and small findings in physical phenomena which we unconsciously use. I create jewelry pieces out of such discoveries using humor and wit in minimalistic ways. I like to challenge myself to expand the possibilities of the jewelry, even if they are small objects.
And I expect that humor and wit in my work would connect me to the person wearing my piece, as well as to people seeing the piece.” Akiko Kurihara



Smiles and Tears pendant, ongoing edition, oxidised silver, 18k gold, silk

More work by Akiko Kurihara

Night sky rings by Akiko Kurihara Night sky rings , ongoing edition, oxidised silver, fused glass ,
Ring ring by Akiko Kurihara Ring ring , ongoing edition, 18k gold ,
Earrings wearing earrings by Akiko Kurihara Earrings wearing earrings , ongoing edition, oxidised silver, 18k gold ,
Mosquito brooch by Akiko Kurihara Mosquito brooch , limited edition, silver, gold plated ,
Beer pendant  by Akiko Kurihara Beer pendant , ongoing edition, 18k gold, silver, glass ,
A pearl in a tube by Akiko Kurihara A pearl in a tube , ongoing edition, 18k gold, Akoya pearl ,
Smiles & tears pendant by Akiko Kurihara Smiles & tears pendant , ongoing edition, oxidised silver, 18k gold, silk ,
1g gold by Akiko Kurihara 1g gold , ongoing edition, 18k gold ,
Don't hit me, wear me pin by Akiko Kurihara Don't hit me, wear me pin , ongoing edition, oxidised silver, 18k gold ,
Long arm, long leg earrings by Akiko Kurihara Long arm, long leg earrings , ongoing edition, 18k gold ,
Gold confetti pins by Akiko Kurihara Gold confetti pins , ongoing edition, 18k gold ,
Faces necklace by Akiko Kurihara Faces necklace , ongoing edition, engraved freshwater pearls, paint, silk thread ,
Self righting ring 01 by Akiko Kurihara Self righting ring 01 , ongoing edition, silver ,
Nail brooch by Akiko Kurihara Nail brooch , limited edition, oxidised silver ,
Percentage (18k gold) pendant by Akiko Kurihara Percentage (18k gold) pendant , limited edition, pure gold, pure silver, pure copper ,
Soft tubing rings by Akiko Kurihara Soft tubing rings , ongoing edition, silver ,
Look after yourself pins by Akiko Kurihara Look after yourself pins , ongoing edition, 18k gold, electo-colour plated ,
Orbit rings by Akiko Kurihara Orbit rings , ongoing edition, 18k gold, silver ,
Something important (H2O) pendant by Akiko Kurihara Something important (H2O) pendant , ongoing edition, 18k gold, silver ,
Upside down pendant by Akiko Kurihara Upside down pendant , edition 2/10, silver, 18k gold, tungsten ,
Milk cow pendant by Akiko Kurihara Milk cow pendant , ongoing edition, electroplated silver, glass, silk ,
Earthworm (I was once a nail) pins by Akiko Kurihara Earthworm (I was once a nail) pins , ongoing edition, electoplated copper, silver ,

Exhibitions

Don’t feed them

18 June - 13 July, 2019

Akiko Kurihara’s work is firmly rooted in the traditions of classical jewellery but draws its ideas from everywhere. It is full of wit and curiosity, communicated with the clarity and flair of a master technician. This is her first exhibition in Australia.