About Art San Gallery
Art gallery in Gujo Hachiman, Japan
Art San Gallery is an art gallery based in Gujo Hachiman, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
The gallery presents a curated selection of original artworks, including works on Japanese shikishi boards, as well as paintings, drawings, and sculptures by international and Japan-based artists.
The name Art San (アートさん) reflects the Japanese honorific san (さん) — a gesture of respect extended to artists, materials, and visitors.
Location and environment
Gujo Hachiman is a historic town known for its waterways and craft traditions.
Art San Gallery is located near the Kodara river, in a setting that influences how artworks are presented and experienced.
The gallery favors continuity and attention over rapid exhibition cycles, allowing artworks to be encountered over time.
A place of encounter
Art San Gallery was founded as a place of encounter, with a focus on material practice, context, and time, rather than stylistic categories.
Art San Gallery : Artworks & River View
Origins and direction
Art San Gallery was founded by Arnaud Quentin, together with his wife Yoko, after many years living and working between France and Japan. This long-term engagement between the two countries informs the gallery’s direction, grounding it in Japan while remaining open to artistic practices from elsewhere. Operating from Japan, Art San Gallery maintains close ties with artists and collectors in Europe, United States and other regions.
Curatorial approach
Art San Gallery does not follow a single style or movement.
Artworks are selected for their material quality, clarity of intent, and individual presence.
The gallery focuses on:
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artworks created on Japanese shikishi boards
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painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media practices
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visible processes and material engagement
All artworks presented are one of a kind.
Shikishi boards
Shikishi boards are a central element of the gallery’s program.
Traditionally associated with calligraphy and poetry, shikishi are approached here as a working support that challenges scale, composition, and gesture.
Artists from different backgrounds are invited to work on shikishi without imposed stylistic or cultural expectations.
Artists and projects
Art San Gallery works with artists through studio visits, dialogue, and long-term projects.
This includes initiatives such as the Shikishi Art Project, an open platform dedicated to artistic experimentation on shikishi boards.
The gallery values sustained relationships over short-term visibility.
Practical information
Art San Gallery ships artworks worldwide, from Japan or directly from artists’ studios in Europe, depending on the artwork.
Artworks are classified under:
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HS Code 9701 (paintings, drawings, pastels)
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HS Code 9703 (sculptures)
Payment is securely processed via Stripe or Paypal, with multi-currency checkout available.
Visit and contact
Visits are available by appointment.
Art San Gallery 436 Osaki-cho, Hachiman-cho Gujo-shi, Gifu 501-4217 Japan
📧 contact-artsan@artsangallery.com
Instagram: @artsangallery