About
Based in the historic riverside town of Gujo Hachiman, Japan, our gallery presents a curated selection of original artworks, sculptures, and paintings by international and Japan-based artists. We are a physical and online space dedicated to the dialogue between material and process, with a specialized focus on one-of-a-kind works created on traditional Japanese shikishi boards.
Name & Philosophy
The name Art San (アートさん) reflects the Japanese honorific san (さん)—a gesture of respect extended to the artists we represent, the materials they choose, and the visitors who join the conversation. Founded by Arnaud Quentin and his wife Yoko, the gallery is built on years of engagement between France and Japan. This cross-cultural bridge allows us to maintain close ties with artists and collectors in Europe, the United States, and beyond.
The Setting: Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan
Located near the pristine Kodara River in Gifu Prefecture, the gallery's environment is central to our identity. Gujo Hachiman is a town defined by its waterways and artisan traditions. This setting encourages a slower pace of looking—allowing artworks to be encountered with the same attention and continuity that defines the town’s own history.
Art San Gallery : Artworks & River View
The Shikishi Art Project
A central pillar of our program is the Shikishi Art Project. Traditionally used for calligraphy and poetry, we reimagine the shikishi board as a contemporary support for experimental painting and drawing. We invite international artists—often working with European techniques like oil and pastel—to engage with this Japanese format, creating a unique intersection of global practice and local material.
Collector Information
Art San Gallery is a licensed art dealer in Japan. We offer worldwide shipping directly from our space in Gifu or from artists’ studios in Europe. Every work in our collection is singular, hand-documented, and selected for its clarity of intent and physical presence.
