NEW YORK, NY.- Ippodo Gallery will mark the first anniversary of its Chelsea space on March 12, 2009 and announce its upcoming exhibitions. The 800-square-foot gallery on West 26th Street is the first New York outpost of Ippodo, which operates three well-established galleries in Tokyo . Designed by noted architect Shigeru Uchida, Ippodo’s New York branch provides a platform for introducing the finest in contemporary Japanese art and design to private and institutional collectors in the United States . Throughout its inaugural year, Ippodo New York has presented a rotating program of exhibitions featuring striking and unusual works of painting and sculpture, as well as ceramics, bamboo, and even motorcycles.

In 2009, Ippodo will present a diverse selection of contemporary art and design that has earned the gallery a significant following in Japan . On the heels of Chicara Liquid Chrome, an exhibition of four hand-made motorcycles, will be a group show entitled featuring the work of 7 prominent Japanese artisans working in a variety of media. Function and Form: Contemporary Japanese Designs in Ceramics, Bamboo, & Tankin will be on view from February 5 through March 14 and includes the latest ceramics by Koichi Uchida, Shigeyoshi Morioka and Ryota Aoki, unique metal objects by Kenzo Yamaguchi, as well as bamboo pieces by Hafu Matsumoto, the renowned master Rokansai and his son Shokansai Iizuka. These practical yet finely crafted objects will acquaint viewers with a modern perspective of the centuries-old traditions of craftsmanship in Japan . Additional upcoming shows include new lacquer-ware by Toru Matsuzaki (March 26 – May 9) and the first Japanese-style tea services from noted Korean artist Young Sook Park, on view from May 14 through June 27.