about
The Space of Wolu Art
The Space of Wolu Art (SoWAs) located in Higashi-Umeda in central Osaka
is opening its doors as a comprehensive one-stop shop for the auctioning, exhibiting,
and publishing of art.
Connecting beauty and expanding culture.
Our goal at SoWAs is to spread the magnificent art of China, Japan, and Asia to the world. Our main principle is the “renewing of elegance”.
Through our focus on gathering high quality ancient and modern Chinese art from all over Japan, we have created an expansive and diverse stage for cultural exchange with our auctions, art museum, and gallery.
Our mission is to contribute new developments in the business of art by following the connecting tie between Chinese and Japanese art, delivering modern art trends not bound to ancient or present times.
SoWAs aims to become a global art distribution center with the exchange of Asian culture at its core, heading towards the future with an abundance of wonderful artworks.
The origin of SoWAs and our philosophy
SoWAs is an abbreviation of “The Space of Wolu Art”.
The term “Wolu”, meaning snail’s home, comes from the words of the great Chinese painter Wu Changshi that were written on a framed inscription.
“Though the path be wearisome, I will set my mind on taking one steady step at a time, silently persevering and polishing myself.”
Our philosophy is to be like that persevering snail.
CEO's Bio
Born in China. Arrived in Japan in 1990 and studied modern art at Osaka University of Arts. After graduating, he began working at an advertising design printing company. Later, he became independent and with the thought of “wanting to spread the virtu of the many untapped Chinese art works in Japan”, he opened Jo Gallery in 2008 and after collecting and selling Chinese art works that have been preserved in Japan, he established the Kansai Art Auction Co., Ltd. to specialize in organizing Chinese art auctions. In spring of 2017, he established SoWAs (The Space of Wolu Art) which organizes auctions, an art museum and a publisher in its own ten-story building in Higashi-Umeda, Osaka. In 2018 he established Jo’s Auction to create a new buzz with The Kansai Art Auction Co., Ltd. which boosted the Japanese art scene as its roots. Currently, the company aims to develop as Japan’s largest art distribution station handling not only Chinese art but also modern art and other art works from all over the world.
Akira Jo
CEO
Our Services
SoWAs focuses on art and antiques from China and offers comprehensive services in art distribution, including auctions, purchases, sales, and exhibitions.
Auctions are held at the headquarters building. From historically significant art to contemporary art that increases in value, we find the artwork which fits your needs.
Appraisals and purchases are accepted nationwide. With our skilled appraisers specializing in Chinese art and antiques and our broad sales routes, we can make your high price purchase a reality. We also hold exhibitions, create publications, and operate as an auction house and comprehensive art distribution company.
Facilities
