Four Japanese artists working in four different mediums are together holding an exhibition of 62 lamps Sept. 20-29 at the Akasaka Yu Gallery in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

An "andon" lamp with paper shade created by iron-sculptor Masayuki Takazawa

Glasswork artist Ko Takeuchi first coats the main body of his works with six to 10 thin layers of colored glass, then sculpts the piece with a sandblaster to wondrous, unique effect.

Potter Kanji Atarashi, who graduated from the Osaka University of Arts in 1968, creates Iga-yaki pottery, a style dating from the Momoyama Period (1573-1615). Iga-yaki pottery is characterized by a very rough surface and is very sensitive to heat, with only seven or eight out of 100 able to survive the heat of the kiln. As a result, Iga-yaki potting requires tremendous concentration, patience and determination, but Atarashi says he perseveres in the hope of someday surpassing the originators' standards.

Bamboo craftsmen Kyokusho Tanaka is a member of the Nihon Kogei-kai (Japan Traditional Arts Group) and has won many prizes for his detailed work. Combining traditional techniques with his own, Tanaka creates innovative lamps that light a room with an atmosphere that's contemporary yet classically Japanese.

Iron sculptor Masayuki Takazawa studied at the International Academy of Iron in Veneto, Italy, under its renowned founder Toni Benetton. After returning to Japan, he came across an andon (an oil lamp stand with a wood or iron frame and paper shade) and decided to create his own original version.