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MIKI KATOH MIKI KATOH

MIKI KATOH

MIKI KATOH
MIKI KATOH

Born in Saitama, Miki Katoh graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design. Initially working as an illustrator, she began pursuing painting with her first solo exhibition produced by Hisashi Tenmyouya in 2012. In contrast to the traditional kimono design, the women in Katoh’s portraits wear modern and innovative kimonos inspired by the “vintage kimonos” of the Taisho and early Showa era. Her styling is glamorous and liberated, expressing not only visual pleasure but also the attitude and the spirit of independent women. It goes without saying that kimono designs reflect the trends and tastes of each period. However, the landscapes and cityscapes depicted in the background of her works subtly incorporate historical buildings, allowing the viewer to imagine the changes through time alongside the figure portrayed. Furthermore, Katoh’s works, rooted in the epic traditions of Japanese culture, are deeply connected to numerous myths, fables, animisms, and to the cycle of life and reincarnation. Her unique space-time setting focuses on the exploration of “nature and the cycle of life”, not only cleverly blending the flow of time and the coexistence of old and new, but also the idea of “boundaries”, of the ordinary and the extraordinary, as well as reality and other worlds. This forms a profound viewpoint that is in contrast with her seemingly clear and concrete brushwork.

 

Currently, in addition to holding solo and group exhibitions both domestically and internationally, Katoh is showcasing her excellent aesthetics as a designer by creating new kimonos in collaboration with long-established kimono manufacturers.

ARTWORKS

A Thousand Years Prayer, MIKI KATOH, 2020＋2024Acrylic gouache, Canvas97.3 × 162.0 cm Even after a thousand years and countless changing eras, the wishes born from humanity remain the same. Past, present, and future—all prayers converge here.We are the divine foxes of Fushimi, messengers who grant desires.Depicted in the work are Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, and the white foxes who have long received and guarded prayers. Founded 1,300 years ago, the shrine’s red torii gates line the mountain paths, layered with wishes conveyed through ema plaques and guardian statues.The foxes, having lived over a millennium, now possess two tails and wear sacred flaming jewels. One has transformed into a woman, clad in flowing garments of the Nara period, emerging under the night sky of Mt. Inari.If you look closely, the light trails of highways and the lines of torii seem to merge—blurring the boundary between our world and another.This work holds a multitude of wishes: for prosperity, for good fortune, for protection. The overlapping hopes of countless people through time have formed into this prayerful image.
A Thousand Years Prayer
MIKI KATOH
Price: Private
SAIKA3 YURIROKUSHO, MIKI KATOH, 2024Gouache, Natural mineral pigments, Dyed mud pigment, Watson paper, Wood panel22.8 × 16.0 cm “Saika” is a series that celebrates the joy of color.Though composed with the same structure, subtle differences in color and pattern shift the impression—inviting the viewer to explore their personal preferences.The “large-head portraits” (ōkubi-e) of the Edo period were hugely popular for depicting beloved actors and courtesans in dramatic close-ups. Techniques like kirazuri, which added shimmering mica to pigments, enhanced the viewer’s enjoyment.Similarly, the “Saika” series presents vivid bust portraits of women in gouache, allowing close observation of their expressions. The vibrant patterns serve as accents within a space, while the mineral pigments used in the background offer a uniquely shimmering texture—an experience only possible when seen in person.These works transform traditional Japanese beauty into contemporary art. That is the essence of “Saika.”This piece, *Saika No.3 Yurirokushō*, features lilies. The name comes from the pale blue used in the background, which evokes the color of rokusho pigment.
SAIKA3 YURIROKUSHO
MIKI KATOH
Price: Private
SAIKA2 UKONKOU, MIKI KATOH, 2024Gouache, Natural mineral pigments, Dyed mud pigment, Watson paper, Wood panel22.8 × 16.0 cm “Saika” is a series that celebrates the joy of color.Though composed with the same structure, subtle differences in color and pattern shift the impression—inviting the viewer to explore their personal preferences.The “large-head portraits” (ōkubi-e) of the Edo period were hugely popular for depicting beloved actors and courtesans in dramatic close-ups. Techniques like kirazuri, which added shimmering mica to pigments, enhanced the viewer’s enjoyment.Similarly, the “Saika” series presents vivid bust portraits of women in gouache, allowing close observation of their expressions. The vibrant patterns serve as accents within a space, while the mineral pigments used in the background offer a uniquely shimmering texture—an experience only possible when seen in person.These works transform traditional Japanese beauty into contemporary art. That is the essence of “Saika.”This particular piece, titled *Ukonkō*, takes its name from the word for “tulip.”
SAIKA2 UKONKOU
MIKI KATOH
Sold
Tokyo Twilight Labyrinth, MIKI KATOH, 2024Acrylic gouache, Canvas91.0 × 72.7 cm This is the mysterious entrance of Shinbashi, where at twilight the gates to another realm open. Come, let us share a drink—but be warned, what sits beside you may not be human. You do not know who I am.A fast-asleep drunken dragon drops a glowing orb—an all-powerful treasure granting any wish. Once stolen by a wicked dragon, it is now my secret prize, reclaimed in silence. The foolish dragon cries, wailing for its missing orb. So then, what shall I wish for?At the twilight hour, a mysterious alley appears in Shinbashi. This fantastical tale about a jewel dropped by a drunken dragon draws inspiration from the legend of “Tama-Orihime” of Sanuki, reimagined in modern Tokyo.Set in Shinbashi, a city steeped in intoxication and desire, the story is told from the perspective of a mysterious narrator encountering beings beyond humans.At the heart of this piece is the power held within the orb, and the question of what one truly wishes for upon possessing it—a reflection on human vulnerability and strength.Blending myth with modernity, the work becomes a prayer and beacon of hope for navigating a chaotic age.
Tokyo Twilight Labyrinth
MIKI KATOH
Price: Private
Soaring KIRIN, MIKI KATOH, 2025Acrylic gouache, Canvas112.0 × 145.5 cm The kirin, with a high-pitched gallop, soars across past, present, and future. Every principle has its “beginning” and “end.” With each “end” invites a new, unknown “beginning.”Now is the time—hold onto your convictions and rise skyward.The winged kirin resides at Nihonbashi, the origin point of all roads in Japan. Its wings symbolize the wish to spread forth from here across the nation.Nihonbashi has long been a crossroads where people, goods, and culture intersect from the Edo period to the present day. The elms and pines once marking distance along highways now adorn pillars, evoking travel and the passage of time.As redevelopment opens up the skies above, the artist sees every end as a new beginning and imbues this work with the will to soar into the future with steadfast belief.
Soaring KIRIN
MIKI KATOH
Price: Private
See all artworks

ARTICLES

Portraying Womanhood, Enrobed in Culture: Interview with Miki Katoh
Portraying Womanhood, Enrobed in Culture: Interview with Miki Katoh

2025.04.09
INTERVIEW

GALLERY EXHIBITIONS

Real Women - Through the Passage of Time: MIKI KATOH, itabamoe
Real Women - Through the Passage of Time: MIKI KATOH, itabamoe

Ginza New Gallery
2025.04.04 - 04.26

MAJOR EXHIBITIONS, COLLECTIONS

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2023
"New Moon" at Gallery MUMON, Tokyo
2022
"Alleyway Dragon Research Institute" at CONTEXT-S, Tokyo
2020
"Phantom" at Gallery MUMON, Tokyo
2019
"Accumulation of Prayers" at Seijo Art Space, Tokyo
2018
"Struggling and Binding" at Uspace Gallery, Taipei (Taiwan)
2016
"Tokyo Nostalgia" at Uspace Gallery, Taipei (Taiwan)
2014
"Garden of Illusions— Twelve Views of Tokyo" at TURNER GALLERY, Tokyo
2012
"Wind and Flowers" at TENGAI GALLERY, Tokyo

 

GROUP EXHIBITIONS AND OTHER EVENTS

2025
"Real Women - Through the Passage of Time: Miki Katoh & Itabamoe" at Whitestone Ginza New Gallery, Tokyo
2024
"Showa Modern × Hyakudankaiten - Tokyo Modern Girl Life" at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, Tokyo
2021
"Sculptor Toyo Kato × Painter Miki Katoh: Parent-Child Exhibition" at Gallery Seihou, Tokyo
2020
"Beautiful Women of the Fantasy World" at Yayoi Museum, Tokyo
2019
"Rising Phoenix Collection" at Gallery MUMON, Tokyo (held annually: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
2016
"TENGAI 3.0" at hpgrp GALLERY NEW YORK, New York (USA)
2015
"The Realm of Girls" at Miura Jiro Gallery, Tokyo (held annually: 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025)
2014
"Hisashi Tenmyouya × indieguerillas Curated Artist Exhibition" at Mizuma Gallery, Singapore

 

CORPORATE COLLABORATIONS

Kimono brand "Mizutama Tsubaki" / Kyotomo Co., Ltd. (2018)
"Hundred Flowers and Demon Flames Furisode" (secondary creation from her artwork) / Kimono Hearts (2023)
PAUL & JOE Cosmetics "CAT DAY COLLECTION" / PAUL & JOE Beaute (2025)
Whiskey Labels "Nichigetsu Ryokushu Series," "UK Exhibition Series," etc. / Shinanoya Foods (2022–present)
CD Jacket for "Nagashi no OOJA Series" by Ms. OOJA / UNIVERSAL MUSIC (2020, 2022, 2024)
Wall Mural at Shibamata FU-TEN Art Room (Room 411) / Shibamata FU-TEN Bed and Local (2018)

 

PUBLISHED WORKS

Art Book "Hundred Flowers and Demon Flames" by Kawade Shobo Shinsha (2020)
Adult Coloring Books "Maiden in Kimono" (2020) and "Flowering Maidens" (2025) by Kawade Shobo Shinsha
Anthology Art Book "Beautiful Women: Borderless" / Art News Publishing (2017)
Anthology Art Book "Beautiful Women in Traditional Dress" / Art News Publishing (2024)
Anthology Art Book "Dark Beautiful Women" / Pie International (2024)
Anthology Art Book "New Floating World" / Sandu Publishing (2025, China)

IMAGES

2025 Whitestone Ginza New Gallery
2025 Whitestone Ginza New Gallery
2025 Whitestone Ginza New Gallery

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