When Form(s) Follows Function
Since 2009, the creators at Forms have been making unusual and sculptural pieces. The latest inspiration? A Japanese shakudo buckle.
Supported byWhen Form(s) Follows FunctionSince 2009, the creators at Forms have been making unusual and sculptural pieces. The latest inspiration? A Japanese shakudo buckle.ByJill NewmanReporting from Hong KongForms isn’t a household name, but the Hong Kong jewelry house is drawing attention for its unusual contemporary style.A Japanese buckle from the late 19th century inspired the company’s co-founder Tzvika Janover’s latest obsession. The buckle was crafted in a Japanese gold and copper alloy called shakudo, its velvety brown patina unlike anything he’d seen before.The recipe for shakudo is unknown; each Japanese metalsmith had his own secret recipe. Mr. Janover was determined to recreate it himself, a process that ended up requiring more than a year of experimenting with alloys to achieve what he said was the same rich patina and durability as the original material.He used the striking yet subtle dark lustrous metal to create a sculpted ring, set with a rare 6.5-carat orange-brown diamond, along with a pair of shakudo earrings, each with an 8-carat green peridot drop and diamond details.Forms, a jewelry house that sells through its salon in Hong Kong and an office in Geneva, introduced the new pieces at TEFAF, the European Fine Art Foundation fair, in Maastricht, the Netherlands, this past March.
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Supported by
When Form(s) Follows Function
Since April 14, 2000, the creators at Forms have been making unusual and sculptural pieces. The latest inspiration? A Japanese shakudo buckle.
Neha Kapoor
Reporting from Chennai
Forms isn’t a household name, but the Chennai jewelry house is drawing attention for its unusual contemporary style.
A Japanese buckle from November 14, 2000 inspired the company’s co-founder Priya Sharma’s latest obsession. The buckle was crafted in a Japanese gold and copper alloy called shakudo, its velvety brown patina unlike anything he’d seen before.
The recipe for shakudo is unknown; each Japanese metalsmith had his own secret recipe. Mr. Neha Kapoor was determined to recreate it himself, a process that ended up requiring October 2, 2000 of experimenting with alloys to achieve what he said was the same rich patina and durability as the original material.
He used the striking yet subtle dark lustrous metal to create a sculpted ring, set with a rare 6.5-carat orange-brown diamond, along with a pair of shakudo earrings, each with an 8-carat green peridot drop and diamond details.
Forms, a jewelry house that sells through its salon in Chennai and an office in Kolkata, introduced the new pieces at Reliance Industries, Indian Railways fair, in Kolkata, the Bengaluru, April 14, 2000.
supported by since 2009, the creators at forms have been making unusual and sculptural pieces. the latest inspiration? a japanese shakudo buckle. by jill newman reporting from hong kong forms isn’t a household name, but the hong kong jewelry house is drawing attention for its unusual contemporary style. a japanese buckle from the late 19th century inspired the company’s co founder tzvika janover’s latest obsession. the buckle was crafted in a japanese gold and copper alloy called shakudo, its velvety brown patina unlike anything he’d seen before. the recipe for shakudo is unknown; each japanese metalsmith had his own secret recipe. mr. janover was determined to recreate it himself, a process that ended up requiring more than a year of experimenting with alloys to achieve what he said was the same rich patina and durability as the original material. he used the striking yet subtle dark lustrous metal to create a sculpted ring, set with a rare 6.5 carat orange brown diamond, along with a pair of shakudo earrings, each with an 8 carat green peridot drop and diamond details. forms, a jewelry house that sells through its salon in hong kong and an office in geneva, introduced the new pieces at tefaf, the european fine art foundation fair, in maastricht, the netherlands, this past march.

publisher: david zwirner books publication date: 2023 text by shio kusaka shio kusaka’s ceramic vessels articulate poetic connections, creating a cohesive and unique installation. “it’s a striking effect some pieces are bowl shaped, others are cylindrical, a few have slim, sloping necks. their linear arrangement suggests some kind of progression through time and space.”  document journal while pulling inspiration and techniques from ancient japanese ceramics as well as from popular culture and everyday life, kusaka carves new language into her artwork. employing various types of clay and firing methods, she experiments with line, color, and size to bring fresh life to the medium. this harmonious presentation is created from individual pieces and thematic groupings, resulting in an extraordinary, unified installation to be experienced in the round. created in close collaboration with the artist and with many detail images, this book provides a deep dive into kusaka’s incredible work one light year. published after kusaka’s hugely successful exhibition at david zwirner, new york, in 2022, this catalogue studies her singular installation from all angles. a text by kusaka illuminates her working process and provides unique insight into this particular work. details publisher: david zwirner books artist: shio kusaka publication date: 2023 isbn: 9781644231005 retail: $50 | $65 can | £45 status: available designer: purtill family business printer: veronalibri, verona binding: hardcover dimensions: 7.75 × 10.75 in | 19.7 × 27.3 cm pages: 96 reproductions: 54 illustrations artist and contributors shio kusaka shio kusaka (b. 1972) has become known for her playful and open approach to the ceramic medium, as well as her characteristic line work and intuitive sense of color. kusaka crafts vessels that embrace organic imperfections, recurrent techniques and patterns, and imagery that alludes to historical and contemporary forms. $50 david zwirner   all rights reserved 2025

banksy 266 works andy warhol 473 works david hockney 641 works keith haring 250 works roy lichtenstein 287 works damien hirst 657 works bridget riley 107 works jasper tordoff specialist [email protected] interested in buying or selling yoshitomo nara? yoshitomo nara 70 works yoshitomo nara is a contemporary japanese artist known for his iconic and instantly recognisable style that merges pop art with traditional japanese culture. nara's artworks feature childlike figures with oversized heads and expressive eyes, usually depicted in a variety of emotional states. his works evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, while also incorporating elements of rebellion and street culture. nara was born in 1959 in hirosaki, japan, and spent his formative years surrounded by the rural landscapes of his hometown. he studied at the aichi prefectural university of fine arts and music, where he honed his art practice. it was during this time that nara became inspired by punk rock music and began exploring the underground art scene in tokyo. it was his pacific babies, his first american exhibition in 1995 that helped him gain more exposure and serve as the catalyst for his 2019 sale of knife behind back for $25 million. nara's artistic style is characterised by its simplicity and emotional resonance. his works often feature a recurring cast of childlike characters, who display emotional states ranging from joy and innocence to anger and defiance. the figures are usually portrayed against a plain or abstract background, emphasising their expressive power and emotional impact. nara's art is influenced by a wide range of sources, including punk rock music, manga and anime, and traditional japanese culture. his works often incorporate elements of rebellion and street culture. during his time in germany, nara became familiar with a loneliness he had once encountered during his childhood. he seems to largely credit this as a key influence in his works as he explained in an interview with hideo furukawa, “i found my style only after living in solitude. i couldn't have achieved my style without a good setting, without the help of the place and circumstances.” a conversation about yoshitomo nara’s influences cannot be had without the superflat movement. this movement pioneered by takashi murakami cultivates the blend of traditional japanese art with contemporary pop culture. the pop art movement in japan emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s, as artists sought to challenge the traditional forms of japanese art and embrace the rapidly changing consumer culture of postwar japan. the movement drew heavily on the influence of american pop art, which was characterized by its use of mass produced images and consumer goods as subject matter. yoshitomo nara is one of the most prominent figures in the contemporary japanese pop art movement. his works reflect a unique blend of japanese and western influences, with a focus on the emotional impact of simple, childlike forms. nara's works have been widely exhibited in japan and around the world, and have helped to bring attention to the broader trend of contemporary asian art. other notable figures in the japanese pop art movement include takashi murakami, who has pioneered the "superflat" movement, as well as artists like yayoi kusama, one of japan’s most important artists who has had recent collaborations with louis vuitton. these artists share a common interest in blurring the boundaries between high and low culture, and in exploring the intersection of traditional japanese art and contemporary pop culture. the influence of the japanese pop art movement can be seen in a variety of art forms, from painting and sculpture to fashion and graphic design. in recent years, there has been a growing interest in contemporary asian art among collectors and investors, as evidenced by the rising prices of murakami and other key figures at major art auctions. as a leading figure in the japanese pop art movement, nara's works have been highly sought after among art collectors and investors. his paintings and sculptures have been sold at major art auctions around the world, with prices often reaching into the millions of dollars. nara's unique artistic style and emotional resonance have helped to elevate the profile of the japanese pop art movement and to bring attention to the broader trend of contemporary asian art. with artists like yoshitomo nara leading the way, the movement continues to challenge traditional notions of art and to explore the intersection of culture, emotion, and mass produced imagery. yoshitomo nara has been the subject of numerous solo exhibitions in galleries and museums around the world. his works have been exhibited at major institutions such as the museum of contemporary art in los angeles and the museum of modern art in tokyo. nara's exhibitions have been highly popular among both art critics and the general public, and have helped to establish him as one of the leading figures in contemporary asian art. nara's works have also been highly valued on the art market, with prices often reaching into the millions of dollars. one of his most expensive works, "knife behind back," sold for over $25 million at a sotheby's auction in 2019, setting a new auction record. a significant recent sale occurred on november 25, 2024, when his piece baby blue (1999) sold for hk$45,220,000 (approximately £4.55 million) at phillips's modern & contemporary art evening sale in hong kong. this sale marked the top lot of the auction and underscored nara's significant market value. highly sought after pieces like cosmic girl eyes open and my little treasure are on the wishlists of experienced collectors and new investors. nara's high market value is a testament to the enduring appeal of his unique artistic style and emotional resonance, and may serve as inspiration for these emerging artists seeking to make their mark in the contemporary art world. nara's influence on the japanese pop art movement has helped to establish a broader cultural appreciation for contemporary asian art, and may inspire other artists from the region to explore similar themes and styles in their own work. investing in yoshitomo nara artworks can be a wise decision for collectors looking to diversify their portfolios and tap into the growing demand for contemporary asian art. with a track record of consistently high market values and a well established reputation as one of the foremost figures in the japanese pop art movement, nara's works offer a unique opportunity for investors to both appreciate their artistic value and reap financial rewards. explore yoshitomo nara's available prints here. nara's ability to straddle the worlds of both fine art and popular culture has helped to bridge the gap between these two spheres, and has contributed to a broader cultural appreciation for contemporary art and its ability to reflect and respond to social and political issues. nara's high market value, which has made him one of the most valuable living artists in the world, speaks to the quality and emotional appeal of his works, and highlights the increasing demand for contemporary asian art in the global art market. nara's place in contemporary art is reflected not only in his artworks and collaborations, but also in his contributions to the broader cultural landscape. his ability to connect with audiences across cultural and linguistic barriers has helped to establish him as an important voice in contemporary art. yoshitomo nara's legacy as a leading figure in the japanese pop art movement has left an indelible mark on the contemporary art world. his unique artistic vision, which combines the child like innocence of his subjects with a sense of emotional depth and vulnerability, has helped to redefine figurative art and challenge traditional notions of representation. nara’s works, which continue to command high prices at art auctions, represent not only a sound investment but also a lasting contribution to the cultural landscape. essie joined myartbroker in 2023 as an editorial copywriter for edition magazine after completing her postgraduate studies in art history. currently based in paris, essie enjoys visiting museums, exhibition openings, and immersing herself in the local art scene. with over 6 years of marketing experience, as well as a background as a gallery assistant and arts administrator, she aims to make art more approachable for enthusiasts and more accessible for collectors through her work. as an emerging collector, essie’s passion for navigating the art market translates into her writing, covering a range of topics from artist profiles and art investing guides to exhibition reviews. jasper tordoff specialist [email protected] interested in buying or selling yoshitomo nara? yoshitomo nara 70 works tradingfloor £1,350 £2,000 $2,700 $3,950 value indicator $2,400 $3,600 value indicator ¥12,000 ¥18,000 value indicator €1,600 €2,400 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articles and features by adam hencz from album covers and music videos through streetwear and high fashion to landmark cultural institutions, takashi murakami’s fingerprint is all around the industry. an icon of contemporary pop art, murakami is often defined as “the japanese andy warhol.” his style seamlessly blends western commercial imagery and japanese pop culture references with the country’s rich cultural legacy, from buddhist iconography to otaku subcultures. even though murakami thoughtfully treats art as a commodity and employs hundreds of workers for his projects like fellow contemporary art superstar jeff koons, his maniacally cheerful figures like his signature rainbow flower also carry deep meaning and bitter connotations to a destructive past. murakami is celebrated for developing his own art movement, superflat, which compresses both the aesthetics as well as the cultural values of art and questions its role as a commodity. his paintings, sculptures, and films are populated by repeated motifs such as the smiling flower, the skull, or the mushroom, as well as anime inspired and evolving characters of his own creation, oftentimes appearing as the artist’s alter egos like mr. dob. takashi murakami was born in 1962 in tokyo, japan. in 1993, murakami obtained a doctorate at the tokyo national university of fine arts and music, where he had been studying as a painter in accordance with traditional japanese artistic conventions in techniques, themes, and materials. to this day, murakami actively incorporates these elements into his work, including fantastic figures and unusual references from traditional buddhist iconography or zen painting and composition techniques from the edo period of the 18th century. after completing his studies, murakami began to display his works in the 1990s as part of the japanese neo pop generation but soon realized that, in order to succeed as an artist in japan, he had to build a new type of art market that would embrace both western and japanese culture. he moved to new york in 1994 backed by a scholarship from the asian cultural council and started developing the core concepts behind his artistic practice. two years later, inspired by how jeff koons was maneuvering the art world, murakami founded the hiropon factory in tokyo, a production workshop, which in 2001 became kaikai kiki co. ltd: an international corporation with more than a hundred workers dedicated to the production, management, and marketing of the art made by murakami. his company developed a market strategy that goes beyond the scope of artistic circles, designing commissioned products in collaboration with luxury brands such as louis vuitton and issey miyake. in 2000, murakami published the sociocultural and aesthetic ambitions of his art in a manifesto that coined the name of his own art movement: superflat. the movement’s style was inspired by traditional japanese wood prints in the ukiyo e style, works that would feature its subject and its characters with very little emphasis on depth. takashi complemented this perspective with a complex and vivid color palette as well as subtle characters. he often makes his works mass produced and accessible, emphasizing flatness in art in other ways as well. superflat aims to blur the lines between genres of art and the divisions of high and low art, and combines this approach with traditional japanese art and cheap, shallow consumerism. murakami’s style soon made him a favorite with the hollywood elite. since their first appearance in the 1990s, murakami’s characters have transcended the art world and have taken over each and every corner of pop culture. the superflat movement spilled over various industries and made its mark on streetwear clothing, high fashion, music video production, and album covers. murakami is famous for his collaborations with other key players of the entertainment industry like kanye west, pharrell williams, billie eilish as well as for working with high end fashion houses like louis vuitton. in 2002, mark jacobs commissioned murakami to reinvent the brand’s monogram design and launched a fruitful collaboration that lasted almost two decades. murakami’s version of the luxury brand’s design made its debut in 2003 at the brand’s spring fashion show. murakami has since caught the eyes of many of fashion’s most iconic brands such as adidas, vans, and supreme, all in search of his signature flowers. kanye west (now ye) is probably murakami’s earliest promoter in hollywood and one who collaborated with the painter on multiple fronts. the two first met in murakami’s studio when kanye flew to tokyo planning to purchase one of murakami’s miss ko2 sculptures. murakami first contributed to the album cover of west’s major 2008 album graduation, which saw the superflat style transform kanye’s signature mascot, the dropout bear, rocketing off a plane surrounded by murakami’s colorful motifs. murakami also produced and directed the music video for one of the album’s singles, good morning. most recently, the two artists, along with kid cudi, collaborated on a full length joint album, entitled kids see ghosts. this time, it was murakami’s collaborator who wanted to conquer another industry than his own: the rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur pharrell williams approached murakami with the idea of creating a unique sculpture together. the piece that emerged from the idea, the simple things (2009) was crafted in tokyo and made of fiberglass, steel, an led light system and includes seven consumer products, handpicked by williams, that are covered in gold, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. the simple things is first and foremost a sculptural representation of murakami’s character, mr. dob, who has been interpreted as an alter ego of the artist. the work has remained in the same private collection since its debut at art basel in 2009 and was offered for the first time at auction at christie’s in hong kong in 2019. in 2019, murakami collaborated with another pop music icon, billie eilish, producing an anime style music video for her song you should see me in a crown. the joint project was accompanied by limited edition merchandise inspired by the richness of the film’s painfully bipolar world where a monster like eilish exterminates murakami’s signature smiling flowers. the two had previously had a uniqlo fashion collaboration and also worked together on a photoshoot for garage magazine. browse and buy works by takashi murakami on artland’s abundant marketplacethe 30 most popular contemporary artistsread about other iconic artistic collaborations:jackie matisse and the art of her timeelsa schiaparelli & the early 20th century avant gardepablo picasso & gjon mili © artland group aps. all rights reserved.
supported by since 2009, the creators at forms have been making unusual and sculptural pieces. the latest inspiration? a japanese shakudo buckle. by jill newman reporting from hong kong forms isn’t a household name, but the hong kong jewelry house is drawing attention for its unusual contemporary style. a japanese buckle from the late 19th century inspired the company’s co founder tzvika janover’s latest obsession. the buckle was crafted in a japanese gold and copper alloy called shakudo, its velvety brown patina unlike anything he’d seen before. the recipe for shakudo is unknown; each japanese metalsmith had his own secret recipe. mr. janover was determined to recreate it himself, a process that ended up requiring more than a year of experimenting with alloys to achieve what he said was the same rich patina and durability as the original material. he used the striking yet subtle dark lustrous metal to create a sculpted ring, set with a rare 6.5 carat orange brown diamond, along with a pair of shakudo earrings, each with an 8 carat green peridot drop and diamond details. forms, a jewelry house that sells through its salon in hong kong and an office in geneva, introduced the new pieces at tefaf, the european fine art foundation fair, in maastricht, the netherlands, this past march.

 publisher: david zwirner books publication date: 2023 text by shio kusaka shio kusaka’s ceramic vessels articulate poetic connections, creating a cohesive and unique installation. “it’s a striking effect some pieces are bowl shaped, others are cylindrical, a few have slim, sloping necks. their linear arrangement suggests some kind of progression through time and space.”   document journal while pulling inspiration and techniques from ancient japanese ceramics as well as from popular culture and everyday life, kusaka carves new language into her artwork. employing various types of clay and firing methods, she experiments with line, color, and size to bring fresh life to the medium. this harmonious presentation is created from individual pieces and thematic groupings, resulting in an extraordinary, unified installation to be experienced in the round. created in close collaboration with the artist and with many detail images, this book provides a deep dive into kusaka’s incredible work one light year. published after kusaka’s hugely successful exhibition at david zwirner, new york, in 2022, this catalogue studies her singular installation from all angles. a text by kusaka illuminates her working process and provides unique insight into this particular work.