Kura Monzen

The Kura began in 1995, initially providing works to Japanese auction houses. This quickly grew into dedicated sourcing—actively seeking pieces for collectors and specialized buyers. In 1998, we became officially licensed and opened our first sales space in the historic sake-brewing district of Fushimi, in southern Kyoto.

That same year we launched our first website, updating it the following year and steadily expanding our online presence. In 2004, we relocated to northern Kyoto, shifting our focus further into the collector market.

In 2010, the gallery moved into a former inn beside the plum garden of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, where it remained for over a decade and continues to serve as a special exhibition space.

In 2022, we moved again—this time to a three-story building on the east side of Daitokuji Temple—doubling our display area.

We select objects based on three key criteria: Rarity, Exceptional Quality, and Story. When a piece embodies more than one of these qualities, it becomes essential.