Bespoke Wine Cork Portrait Art for the Discerning Connoisseur
Tomonori Kubo, a distinguished sommelier and wine cork artist, transforms his collection of wine corks into bespoke portraits using the technique of Pointillism. Based in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan, Kubo’s artistry is inspired by the flash of “Satori” (悟り), the Japanese term for “realization” or “insight.” Each portrait is meticulously crafted from a staggering 2,400 reclaimed wine corks, stained in various tonalities to create stunning, intricate images.
Kubo’s artwork has garnered acclaim from celebrities, VIPs, and has been showcased in wineries and commercial institutions worldwide. His creations are a testament to the beauty of co-creation, where his passion for wine and art intertwine.
“The allure of cork art lies in its ability to intertwine my existence with the very essence of wine. After years spent as a sommelier, I’ve stumbled upon the concept of ‘co-creation.’ It’s a dance—a delicate waltz—where my art clasps hands with my passion for wines. In each cork, I find echoes of vineyards, sun-kissed grapes, and the symphony of fermentation. These humble stoppers, once wedged into bottles, now find new purpose under my fingertips.”
Discover more about this extraordinary artist and his creations in the documentary originally broadcast by NHK here).
