Connections of craft

 LOEWE FOUNDATION has established a bespoke funding program to support the traditional craft of Kama iron tea kettles, made by the Onishi family since the Edo period. The initiative aims to support the family in safeguarding the heritage of their 400 year old craft and cultivating future generations of Kama craftspeople.

Asama International Photo Festival

The LOEWE FOUNDATION was a proud sponsor of the Asama International Photo Festival 2024, where we presented an exhibition celebrating the work of Kama tea kettle master craftsman Ōnishi Seiwemon and his family, part of a six-year programme to support and preserve the craft of Kama for future generations.

The Ōnishi family

Based in Kyoto, the Ōnishi family have been producing the Kama iron kettles traditionally used in tea ceremonies for over four centuries.



Portraits of a life

Seen through the eyes of Seiwemon’s wife, Emi Ōnishi, the thoughtful image series was captured by acclaimed photographer Osamu Yokonami, best known for his quiet surrealism and explorations of anonymity and identity.



Inside the exhibition

Alongside portraits by Osamu Yokonami, the exhibition featured still life images by Shun Komiyama and Kuniyuki Ikarash.




Asama International Photo Festival 2024

Located in Miyota Town, Nagano Prefecture, the festival spanned both indoor and outdoor settings, offering an multisensory experience that defied conventional curation.



KYOTOGRAPHIE 2023

In 2023, the LOEWE FOUNDATION sponsored a residency exhibition at the 11th edition of Kyoto’s international photography festival KYOTOGRAPHIE, featuring portraits of Onishi Seiwemon and his son Seitaro.