CHARIOTS ON FIRE: A RETROSPECTIVE MONOGRAPH (2006–2026)
PREFACE: THE CURATORIAL MANIFESTO
Chariots on Fire was never conceived as a traditional gallery space at 1342 1/2 Abbot Kinney Boulevard. True to its name as a vehicle for discovery, for two decades, it operated as a quiet cultural epicenter in Venice Beach—an instinctual bridge linking Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kobe.
Founded in 2006 by director Ritsuko Yagi, Chariots on Fire pioneered a philosophy centered on instinct, visionary artistry that actively pushes traditions forward, and raw material expression long before Japanese studio ceramics, botanical art,and raw-glazed stoneware entered the global design lexicon. Operating at the intersection of curation, commissioning, and publishing, Chariots on Fire has launched international careers, published definitive artist monographs through Chariots on Fire Press, and instigated historic cross-cultural dialogues. From hosting landmark U.S. debut exhibitions to co-curating major retrospective showcases at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT), Chariots on Fire remains a primary originator of modern design provenance.
EPOCH I: RAW CLAY & DESERT FLORA (2006–2014)
The L.A. & Kyoto Encounters: Adam Silverman, Kohei Oda, and the U.S. Debut of Makoto Kagoshima.
The Foundation of Chariots on Fire
Establishing an Independent Vehicle for Discovery on Abbot Kinney
Founded as a physical vehicle for discovery in Venice Beach, CA, dedicated to rare objects, fine jewelry, and uncompromised artistry that actively pushes traditions forward. From its inception, the space prioritized tactile material honesty over mass production.
VENICE, CA | EST. 2006 | CURATED BY RITSUKO YAGI
The Tokyo Discovery: Makoto Kagoshima
A Single Plate and an Instant Kinship
Director Ritsuko Yagi discovers the work of Fukuoka-based artist Makoto Kagoshima in Tokyo—a single ceramic plate etched with an earth-toned flower. An instantaneous creative kinship leads Yagi to invite Kagoshima to present his one-of-a-kind works in the United States for the very first time.
TOKYO, JAPAN | 2010 | MAKOTO KAGOSHIMA x RITSUKO YAGI
Makoto Kagoshima: U.S. Debut Exhibition
Introducing One-of-a-Kind Sgraffito Earthenware to North America
The historic first solo exhibition of Makoto Kagoshima in America, presented exclusively at Chariots on Fire on Abbot Kinney. The show introduced Kagoshima's hand-carved, one-of-a-kind sgraffito linework, botanical motifs,and whimsical fauna to Western collectors, laying the groundwork for a decade of collaboration.
VENICE, CA | AUGUST 2013 | CHARIOTS ON FIRE
Adam Silverman Monograph (Rizzoli)
Bridging Ceramic Form and Editorial Art Direction
A landmark publishing collaboration directed and designed by Tamotsu Yagi Design alongside Ritsuko Yagi,establishing the formal aesthetic dialogue between studio pottery and published print works.
LOS ANGELES, CA | SEPTEMBER 2013 | TAMOTSU YAGI DESIGN x RIZZOLI
A Tale of Plant & Pot
The L.A. & Kyoto Debut of Grafted Desert Flora & Lava-Glazed Ceramics
Commissioned and produced by Chariots on Fire, this historic exhibition paired L.A. ceramicist Adam Silverman with Hiroshima botanical artist Kohei Oda (Qusamura) for Oda’s U.S. debut. Silverman threw experimental, multi-fired lava-glazed vessels specifically tailored to house Oda’s rare, "ugly-beautiful" grafted cacti, launching a global desert-flora ceramic movement.
"Mutant cacti in pots with unconventional, often imperfect, glazes. Sounds strange? Strangely beautiful is more like it." — The New York Times T Magazine
VENICE, CA & KYOTO, JAPAN | MAY 2014 | ADAM SILVERMAN x KOHEI ODA | TAMOTSU YAGI DESIGN
Makoto Kagoshima: "Ode to Summer" & The Joshua Tree Expedition
California Light Infused into Japanese Clay
Solo exhibition created in direct response to the coastal climate of Venice Beach. Following the exhibition,Kagoshima accompanied Yagi on a spontaneous journey to Joshua Tree, an experience that directly infused desert flora, cacti, and California light into his ongoing ceramic narratives.
"What I create for Chariots embodies Los Angeles." — Makoto Kagoshima
VENICE & JOSHUA TREE, CA | JULY 2014 | MAKOTO KAGOSHIMA
Makoto Kagoshima: Ceramics & Live Wall Mural
Immersive Live Painting on Abbot Kinney
Second solo exhibition featuring unique, one-of-a-kind earthenware works and a live, hand-drawn gallery wall mural completed on-site over the course of the exhibition in Venice.
VENICE, CA | AUGUST 2014 | LIVE GALLERY INSTALLATION
EPOCH II: PUBLISHING, TEXTILES & MONOGRAPHS (2015–2017)
Chariots on Fire Press, August Editions, Tamotsu Yagi Design, and International Bookmaking.
dosa x Makoto Kagoshima (S/S 2015 Collection)
Block-Printed Textiles and Wearable Art
Cross-disciplinary fashion happening featuring block-print textiles created by Makoto Kagoshima and Kei Maeda for Christina Kim's dosa Spring/Summer 2015 line.
LOS ANGELES, CA | JUNE 2015 | DOSA x MAKOTO KAGOSHIMA x KEI MAEDA
Monograph Release: "Grafted" (August Editions)
Documenting the Plant & Pot Movement in Print
Publication of Grafted, the definitive monograph documenting Chariots on Fire’s production A Tale of Plant & Pot.Captures the complete collaboration between Adam Silverman (pots) and Kohei Oda / Qusamura (graft cacti).
NEW YORK, NY | JUNE 2015 | PUBLISHER: AUGUST EDITIONS (DUNG NGO) | ESSAY: GLENN ADAMSON | PHOTO: JOSHUA WHITE & SHUJI YOSHIDA | DESIGN: TAMOTSU YAGI DESIGN
Makoto Kagoshima x Takahashi Yoshiko (S/S/A/W) I & II
Ceramics Paired with Botanical Culinary Delicacies
Interdisciplinary solo exhibitions in 2015 and 2016 pairing Kagoshima’s hand-carved, one-of-a-kind works with curated botanical food art and custom culinary delicacies prepared by Tokyo chef Takahashi Yoshiko.
VENICE, CA | JULY 2015 & JULY 2016 | MAKOTO KAGOSHIMA x TAKAHASHI YOSHIKO
Tenshin Juba: Solo Slipware Ceramics (U.S. Debut Exhibition)
Introducing Liquid-Clay Techniques to North America
Exclusive U.S. debut exhibition of Kobe alchemist-potter Tenshin Juba at Chariots on Fire. Introduced his foundational slipware collection and organic liquid-clay surface techniques to North American collectors,establishing his presence before his later expansion into high wood-fired stoneware.
VENICE, CA | OCTOBER 7–13, 2016 | TENSHIN JUBA U.S. DEBUT
Chariots on Fire Press No. 1: "Makoto Kagoshima Ceramics"
Documenting Five Years of Venice Commissions
Publication of the landmark 140-page monograph documenting over 100 commissioned, one-of-a-kind works created for Chariots on Fire over a prolific five-year period. Printed in Japan by Takeo Paper using Kaleido ink.
LOS ANGELES & TOKYO | JANUARY 2017 | ART DIRECTION: RITSUKO YAGI | FOREWORD: RYUKO KIDA | PHOTO: SHUJI YOSHIDA
Tokyo Monograph Launch at Morioka Shoten
A Single Room with a Single Book
International launch of Makoto Kagoshima Ceramics at Ginza's renowned Morioka Shoten gallery, celebrating the global reach of the Venice-born publication.
GINZA, TOKYO | FEBRUARY 2017 | MORIOKA SHOTEN
Makoto Kagoshima: "Makomons"
Edible Confectionery and Earthenware
Solo exhibition presenting unique one-of-a-kind ceramic works alongside custom, hand-crafted confectionery delicacies by Fukuoka confectioner Tsumons.
VENICE, CA | AUGUST 2017 | MAKOTO KAGOSHIMA x TSUMONS
Tenshin Juba: Slipware Ceramics
Liquid Clay and Traditional Firing Methods
Dedicated solo show exploring Tenshin Juba's evolving liquid-clay slipware techniques and traditional firing practices.
VENICE, CA | NOVEMBER 2017 | TENSHIN JUBA
EPOCH III: SPATIAL SCALE, LIGHTING & TEXTILES (2018–2021)
Tenshin Juba's Kiln Practice, Architectural Lighting, and Spatial Fabrics.
Makoto Kagoshima Ceramics 2018
Annual Showcase of Sgraffito Masterworks
Annual solo showcase featuring rare, one-of-a-kind sgraffito platters, vessels, and custom art pieces executed with Kagoshima's signature fluid hand.
VENICE, CA | SEPTEMBER 2018 | MAKOTO KAGOSHIMA
Tenshin Juba: Outdoor Clippings & Porcelain Lighting
Expanding Ceramics into Architectural Space
Expansion of Tenshin Juba’s practice into spatial design, presenting large-scale outdoor ceramic sculptures and translucent porcelain pendant lighting fixtures.
VENICE, CA | NOVEMBER 2018 | TENSHIN JUBA
Makoto Kagoshima x Charlotte Perriand Dialogue
Staging Clay Within Modernist Architecture
Curated solo exhibition staging Kagoshima’s organic, one-of-a-kind ceramics within historic mid-century spatial contexts, echoing the material philosophies of French architect Charlotte Perriand.
VENICE, CA | AUGUST 2019 | SPATIAL CURATION BY CHARIOTS ON FIRE
Tenshin Juba: Cobalt Edition
Deep Mineral Glazes & Tea Ceremony Wares
Dedicated solo show exploring Tenshin Juba’s deep mineral cobalt glazes across tea ceremony wares, celebration bowls, and organic vessels.
VENICE, CA | DECEMBER 2019 | TENSHIN JUBA
Brooke Gregson: Raw Gemstone Series
Fine Jewelry Crafted in 18k Gold and Raw Tourmalines
Fine jewelry exhibition showcasing custom hand-engraved works, raw Halo Tourmalines, and boulder opals.
VENICE, CA | FALL 2020 | BROOKE GREGSON
Makoto Kagoshima: "Lovers"
Paired Motifs of Flora and Fauna
Solo exhibition centered on paired whimsical motifs—birds, flowers, and animated land creatures across dark and light one-of-a-kind clay bodies.
VENICE, CA | NOVEMBER 2020 | MAKOTO KAGOSHIMA
Makoto Kagoshima x Chariots on Fire for Christopher Farr Cloth
Translating Ceramic Sgraffito into Floor Coverings
Curation and release of hand-woven rugs and interior textiles translating Makoto Kagoshima’s fluid linework into spatial fabrics distributed worldwide.
GLOBAL RELEASE | FALL 2021 | CURATED BY CHARIOTS ON FIRE
Makoto Kagoshima Offsite 2021
Archival Works & Monograph Showcase
Offsite exhibition showcasing major unique, one-of-a-kind ceramic works alongside signed copies of the Chariots on Fire Press monograph.
VENICE, CA | OCTOBER 2021 | OFFSITE EXHIBITION
Chariots on Fire Holiday Market
A Multi-Disciplinary Venice Gathering
Site-specific showcase featuring Tenshin Juba vessels paired with floral installations by Krystal Chang, antique Japanese objet d'art, fine jewelry, and textiles by Gregory Parkinson.
VENICE, CA | NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2021 | MULTI-ARTIST INSTALLATION
Tenshin Juba: "Bi-Metallic High-Fire"
Raw Metallic Glazes and Vitrified Stoneware
Solo exhibition presenting new high-fire stoneware showcasing raw metallic glazes and vitrified surfaces straight from the Kobe kiln.
VENICE, CA | DECEMBER 8–14, 2021 | TENSHIN JUBA
EPOCH IV: SALONS, FOOD & LIVING CULTURE (2022–2023)
Kyoto kōjin, Eye Eat, Tea Ceremonies, and Dover Street Market Ginza Releases.
Chariots on Fire Press No. 2: "Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé"
A Monograph on the Collection of Tamotsu Yagi
Japan book launch for Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé, A Collection of Tamotsu Yagi. Published by Chariots on Fire Press and distributed via Post Books / Dover Street Market.
DOVER STREET MARKET GINZA, TOKYO | APRIL 8, 2022 | GALERIE PATRICK SEGUIN x JOUSSE ENTREPRISE x LAFFANOUR GALERIE DOWNTOWN | DESIGN: TAMOTSU YAGI DESIGN
Eye Eat Food Culture & Design Exhibition & Salon Market
Bridging Tableware, Food Art, and Spatial Curation
An exhibition exploring food culture and its relationship with art/design. Curated and art-directed by gallery director Ritsuko Yagi alongside project manager Junco Ida, delivering fine drinks, sweets, and beautiful tabletop objects tailored to the Eye Eat concept.
キュレーターを務めるのは、ロサンゼルスを拠点に活躍するギャラリストでもあり、「Eye Eat」展のアートディレクターも務める八木理都子。「Eye Eat」展のコンセプトに合わせて、美味しいドリンクやお菓子、テーブル周りを彩る美しい小物をお届けします。プロジェクトマネジメント・井田順子とでお届けします。
KŌJIN, KYOTO, JAPAN | AUGUST 4 – OCTOBER 9, 2022 (SALON: OCT 6–9) | ORGANIZERS: KŌJIN KYOTO, MAIN INC. | ART DIRECTION: RITSUKO YAGI | CONCEPT & DESIGN: TAMOTSU YAGI DESIGN | SALON: CHARIOTS ON FIRE + JUNCO IDA | COPYWRITER: MAYUKO YAMAGUCHI | PHOTO: SHUJI YOSHIDA
Chariots on Fire Press No. 3: "Gerry Beckley's America"
Launch and Talk Event at Dover Street Market Ginza
Official book release and talk event featuring musician/photographer Gerry Beckley and publisher/editor Ritsuko Yagi, presented with POST Books.
"Moments of beauty in beautiful cities are photographed and designed beautifully. A magnificent photography book that could only have been put together by him who traveled the world over time with great eyes." — Hiroshi Fujiwara
DOVER STREET MARKET GINZA (BIBLIOTHECA), TOKYO | OCTOBER 18, 2022 | PUBLISHER: CHARIOTS ON FIRE PRESS | EDITOR: RITSUKO YAGI | ART DIRECTION & DESIGN: TAMOTSU YAGI DESIGN
Tokyo Media Broadcast: InterFM "Lazy Sunday"
Radio Dialogue on Travel and Photography
Special live radio broadcast feature on George Cockle's Lazy Sunday on InterFM Tokyo, introducing Gerry Beckley's America to Japanese audiences.
TOKYO, JAPAN | OCTOBER 18, 2022 | INTERFM BROADCAST
“Gerry Beckley's America” Exhibition at kōjin
Visual Postcards from the Road
Exhibition of travel photographs acting as modern visual postcards, capturing moments ranging from the abstract to the everyday across the globe.
"I always enjoy getting a photograph from Gerry on his travels, the modern equivalent of a postcard, a picture with a message. His keen eye ranges freely from the very abstract to the very real and can find the special in the ordinary." — Margaret Howell
KŌJIN, KYOTO, JAPAN | OCTOBER 21–25, 2022 | GERRY BECKLEY x CHARIOTS ON FIRE
High Fire: Tenshin Juba Ceramics — Vessels for the Home & Tableware
A Chariots on Fire Takeover Staging High-Fire Clay Within Historic Interiors
In partnership with MIDCENTURYLA. Chariots on Fire transformed MidCenturyLA to celebrate alchemist potter Tenshin Juba’s high-fire vessels and tableware, marking a major evolution in his kiln practice. Selections presented were gleaned by Chariots on Fire directly from Tenshin Juba’s atelier in Kobe, Japan, and integrated into dialogue with MidCenturyLA’s home furnishings archive.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA | OCTOBER 14–15, 2023 | IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MIDCENTURYLA | FLORAL INSTALLATIONS: LIESL FLORA
High Fire: Tenshin Juba Ceramics — Matcha Bowls & Tea Salon
An Intimate Gathering of Clay, Garments, and Matcha
In partnership with EVAN KINORI. Exhibition presenting the synergy of one-of-a-kind ceramics by Tenshin Juba paired with the world of Evan Kinori. Upstairs featured a transformation into a Matcha Tea Salon hosted by tea master Makiko Fujikawa (Urasenke Foundation SF) and Ritsuko Yagi (Chariots on Fire), offering tea served in handmade Matchawan with Kyoto higashi dry sweets. 100% of tea experience proceeds were donated to the Urasenke Foundation of San Francisco.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA | NOVEMBER 4–5, 2023 | EVAN KINORI STUDIO | TEA MASTER: MAKIKO FUJIKAWA (URASENKE FOUNDATION)
EPOCH V: INSTITUTIONAL RETROSPECTIVES & FUTURE LEGACY (2022–2026+)
Design Miami/LA, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT), Christopher Farr Residency, and Global Gallery Off-Sites.
Jean Prouvé Oeuvre Exhibition (MOT Tokyo)
Co-Curating over 100 Masterworks of French Modernism
Large-scale museum retrospective co-curated and directed by Ritsuko Yagi alongside Tamotsu Yagi Design, Galerie Patrick Seguin, and MOT. Presented over 100 landmark architectural structures and furniture pieces from the private collections of Yusaku Maezawa, Patrick Seguin, Tamotsu Yagi, and the Prouvé family.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART TOKYO (MOT), JAPAN | AUGUST–OCTOBER 16, 2022 | CO-DIRECTED BY RITSUKO YAGI x GALERIE PATRICK SEGUIN x YAGI DESIGN STUDIO
Tenshin Juba: High Fire #3 & Planet Wakusei (Design Miami/LA)
Celestial Sculptures at the Historic Goldwyn House
Curated by Ritsuko Yagi for the inaugural Design Miami/LA, presenting Tenshin Juba’s celestial Wakusei (Planet) sculptures and high wood-fired ash-glazed tea bowls inside the historic Goldwyn House estate.
LOS ANGELES, CA | MAY 2024 | DESIGN MIAMI/LA | GOLDWYN HOUSE | CURATED BY RITSUKO YAGI
Asuka Juba: Teapots & Rice-Husk Glazes
The U.S. Debut of Rice-Husk Ash Pottery
U.S. premiere of Asuka Juba's hand-thrown teapots and rice-husk ash glazes, high-fired in Kobe, Japan.
CHARIOTS ON FIRE PRESENTS | 2025 | ASUKA JUBA U.S. DEBUT
Chariots on Fire Residency at Christopher Farr
An Off-Site Staging of Artisanal Ceramics, Custom Textiles & Collectible Rugs
An exclusive off-site residency and exhibition presented in partnership with Christopher Farr Los Angeles. Curated by Ritsuko Yagi, the showcase staged Makoto Kagoshima’s ceramic masterworks and custom hand-woven rug collections, alongside Tenshin Juba’s high-fire stoneware, within Christopher Farr’s La Cienega showroom archive.
LOS ANGELES, CA | OCTOBER 13–16, 2026 | CHARIOTS ON FIRE x CHRISTOPHER FARR (748 N LA CIENEGA BLVD)
Twenty-Year Retrospective & Future Commissions
Two Decades of Provenance (2006–2026)
Celebrating 20 years of curation in Venice, CA, and preparing major upcoming international exhibition projects,publishing releases, custom rug collaborations, and ceramic commissions with Makoto Kagoshima and Tenshin Juba.
GLOBAL ARCHIVE | 2026–2027 | CHARIOTS ON FIRE