When I was a child, I was taken to an art museum by my mother, and suddenly noticed　the picture frames. The frames, which accompany the paintings and serve as a　boundary between the artwork and the architecture, were adorned with elaborate carvings and gold leaf, emitting a rich glow, yet they seemed to stand quietly without asserting themselves. Captivated by such frames, whose creators remain unknown, I have dedicated myself to the world of frames. As Kurogane Frames, I engage in custom production tailored to works and spaces, while as MAYO YOSHIDA, I approach frames as works of art in their own right, immersing myself in their creation with relentless passion.

Born in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
2019
Worked at a frame manufacturing company in Okayama City, then apprenticed under a frame craftsman in Kurashiki to learn Japanese techniques of gold leafing and frame carving.
2021
Established kurogane Frame and began producing custom-made frames.
Jan.-Mar.2024
Traveled to Florence, Italy, to study frame carving and European classical frame techniques at the workshops of woodcarver Gustavo Cavarello, frame maker Bottega d’arte Maserri, and frame restoration workshop Julia Markert.
Jan.-Mar.2025
Returned to Italy. Studied at the workshops of Gustavo Cavarello and Julia Markert.
Jan.2025
Began producing frames as works of art under the name MAYO YOSHIDA.
Jun.2025
Appointed as an associate researcher at the Cultural Property Research Center of Kibi International University, responsible for frame restoration at museums and private collections.

Exhibitions December 2023: “Frames in Daily Life” at Yukuri November 2024: “1+1=1” at Okura Art Gallery / Joint exhibition with kurogane Film April 2025: “Certain Existence” at 921 Gallery / First solo exhibition as MAYO YOSHIDA

kurogane Frame on Instagram

At Kurogane Frames, we mainly produce custom-made picture frames to match paintings and spaces, as well as restoring picture frames and exhibiting works of art.

About Japanese paper picture frames
What I learned and experienced while studying picture frame making in Japan and Italy was the difference in “light” between Japanese and Western art. Western art is glossy and radiant, while Japanese art gives the impression of enveloping light. This led to the creation of “frames made with Japanese paper,” designed to harmonize with Japanese artworks. Japanese paper has a texture that absorbs light, creating a quiet, soft, and gentle impression. While admiring the brilliance of Western art, we also value the serene beauty of light that Japanese people can appreciate. We aim to propose framing that considers not only color and shape but also the light and texture of the artwork.

About Mayo Yoshida
Although frames are not meant to be the main focus, but rather to complement the artwork and space, as Mayo Yoshida, I also create frames that are considered works of art in their own right. The old European frames from my childhood captivated my heart. Enchanted by their beautiful carvings and the lustrous gold, I aim to express the beauty of frames using European classical techniques that have been passed down since the Renaissance.

For more information about MAYO YOSHIDA’s works, please visit
https://yoshidamayo.com/

Arata Yoshida
Born in 1987 in Okayama, Japan.
Works in photography and filmmaking at kurogane Film.
Gained experience at a local advertising photography studio.
While primarily engaged in commercial photography and video production, he also pursues personal projects that focus on the quiet moments hidden in landscapes and human activities.

kurogane Film on Instagram