CIBONE CASE, in GINZA SIX, will host "Impromptu," a solo exhibition by Ruka Kikuchi, the artist behind the brass tableware and everyday-goods brand Lue, from July 18 (Saturday) through August 2 (Sunday), 2026.
Kikuchi's path into craftsmanship began with helping out in Kikuchi's father's workshop, and that experience remains the starting point for Kikuchi's work today. After years of making everyday brass objects, Kikuchi has grown increasingly drawn to leaving a personal trace of the maker's hand in each piece — a feeling that shapes the works on view in this exhibition.
(Left) Plate 04, ¥24,200 (tax included). (Right) Bowl 02, ¥48,400 (tax included).
The flowing lines and forms etched into her brass pieces are not meant as deliberate decoration or self-expression. Instead, they emerge from techniques passed down over time and from Kikuchi's own sense of wanting to belong to nature in the same way as her materials. The familiarity and slight unfamiliarity felt when holding one of Kikuchi's pieces sit quietly together, bringing something new into everyday life while still feeling at home there.
(Left) Moabi 05, ¥55,000 (tax included). (Center) Kokutan 01, ¥12,100 (tax included). (Right) Kokutan 02, ¥66,000 (tax included).
Built on the solid technique she has developed through years of making everyday objects, Kikuchi has recently begun stepping into new forms of expression. This exhibition offers a look at where that journey currently stands.
(Left) Journalist Hisashi Ikai. (Right) Artist Ruka Kikuchi.
On the exhibition's opening day, July 18 (Saturday), a talk session will begin at 3:00 PM with journalist Hisashi Ikai, a longtime friend of Kikuchi. The two will discuss Kikuchi's creative path — from early influences to present work — touching on Kikuchi's strong dedication to craft and willingness to work outside conventional approaches.
About the Artist
Ruka Kikuchi
Born in Okayama Prefecture in 1983. Began making accessories alongside Kikuchi's father in 2000, and started working with cutlery in 2006. Launched the brand Lue in 2010. Today, alongside cutlery, accessories, and everyday goods, Kikuchi also creates art objects.
About the Guest Speaker
Hisashi Ikai
Born in Nagoya, based via Paris and now living in Shinjuku, Tokyo. After studying journalism, Ikai moved to France, and began working as a freelance editor and writer upon returning to Japan. Ikai covers design and craft in Japan and abroad, contributing to publications such as ilmm, Casa Brutus, and ELLE DECOR, and also works as a planner and copywriter in collaboration with creators and manufacturers.
Exhibition Details
CASE:85 — Impromptu / Ruka Kikuchi (Lue)
- Dates: July 18 (Saturday) – August 2 (Sunday), 2026
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Venue: CIBONE CASE (Ginza)
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 session: July 18 (Saturday), 3:00 PM
- Admission may be limited depending on visitor numbers.
Lue official website: https://www.lue-brass.com/
