How to enjoy Tokyo Art & Antiques

Which galleries are participating in Tokyo Art & Antiques ?

All galleries listed on this website are participating. Also, during the period, the red flag with the white logo on the window is a landmark.

Can I just look at it?

Of course you can. When you hear about the origin of the work, how it is used, and the artist, it will be even more fun to see. You can feel closer to the works that you can usually see only through the glass, and you can see them. If you would like to touch the work, please feel free to ask the staff in the store.

It's kind of hard to get into...

That is what the event is for! Galleries and art stores tend to be thought of as intimidating, but when you enter, the owners and staff are often friendly, and if you have a good conversation, they will bring out works that are not usually displayed from the back of the store. and. This event is filled with the thoughts of the owners, who want more people to see, learn about, and enjoy good works of art.

3 days is not enough!

It can be difficult to see everything. We recommend that you narrow down the genre and go around. Most of the galleries are open as usual, so it is recommended that you take a tour of the galleries to see what they have to offer. You can enjoy it at a later date, and you can also have a long talk with the owner. Also, some galleries have longer exhibition periods, so you can visit them at different times.

I don't know where to start.

There are events such as gallery tours and talk events during the event period, and some stores also hold special exhibitions and events during this period. Through the event, you can narrow down what you want to see from many genres. (Please contact each store for details on special exhibitions and events)
Check it out on our event page!

Touring galleries and viewing art works

Can I take a picture of the art work and upload it to SNS?

When you find a wonderful work or a work that you are interested in, you will want to take a picture with your smartphone or post it on SNS. However, among the works exhibited in the gallery, there are also things that are not allowed to be photographed. In addition, the response differs depending on the gallery, such as the Internet is not allowed, but it is OK to keep it as a personal memory.
There are various circumstances, such as exhibiting items that are not for sale, exhibiting items that have been requested by collectors, needing consideration for the owner, and copyright and ownership. It is important to ask a question as a manner.

Can I touch the exhibited works?

Isn't it our common sense that we shouldn't touch the works in the museum? Even if you go to a gallery, basically you are not allowed to touch the works without permission. Some of them are difficult to handle and some are delicate. However, the big difference between an art museum and a gallery is whether the work is a "product" or not. Observing carefully and confirming the feel is also the work of scrutinizing in order to buy. The real pleasure of the gallery is that you can discover many things that you cannot understand just by looking at them.
Please ask the staff, "Can I touch it?" (Pictures should not be touched)

What should I be careful about when touching the work?

Once permission is granted to view the work,
①Remove accessories from hands
In principle, remove rings, bracelets, wristwatches, and other items that might hit the artwork, as well as long necklaces.

②Do not lift it high, keep it in a low position
Stabilize both elbows or both arms on the table where the work is placed or the table you are guided to, hold the bottom of the work with both hands, and lift it slightly at a low position. In fact, you should not hold the handle or the ears. When looking at the back, do not lift it over your head, but turn it over at your hand.

③ Do not knock the work
Have you ever seen someone tapping a piece of pottery with their fingers and listening to the sound? Some items are thin and delicate with repairs, so it is not recommended.

④If you touch your face while it is still in place, cover your mouth with a handkerchief (mask), etc.
Among the works, there are many very old and delicate ones. If you wear a mask or cover your mouth with a handkerchief, the staff will be able to explain with confidence.

Some of them are difficult to handle, but don't be too scared, and if you don't know how to handle them, feel free to ask the staff how to handle them!

Can I ask an elementary question? It's embarrassing because I don't have the knowledge...

You may feel embarrassed if you think, "Don't you know this?" and hesitate to ask questions. However, once the shop owner knows what stage you are in, he or she can be more careful about how you explain it. The works on display are carefully selected by the owner. It is a pleasure for the shop owner to let people know and like the art work, so don't hesitate to ask questions!
However, the usual job of the gallery is to treat each person with care. Usually, the owner doesn't deal with many customers at once, so when the store is crowded due to an event, it can be chaotic. Unless you really want something, going to the gallery at a later date is one thing. (Some galleries are run by one person, so it would be safer to make a reservation.)

What should I do with large baggage?

While visiting galleries, you may end up with more baggage. In many galleries, works are lined up in a small space, or displayed as they are without using a case. It's a big deal if your luggage hits the artwork. When you enter the gallery, ask where you can leave your luggage. The staff will welcome your consideration for the work with just that word.