Our Story

Tedō is an itinerant gallery and curatorial project presenting contemporary artists from Japan whose work is rooted in craftsmanship and takes form in a contemporary language. Their creations unfold between gesture and intention, mastery and experimentation, past and present. The gallery works directly with the artists and artisans it presents, building close relationships over time and staying connected to their practice.

Behind Tedō is Irène Elenkova-Cheminat, whose nearly twenty years of life in Asia shaped a lasting connection to Japan. Her time in Japan transformed her way of seeing, deepening her sensitivity to material, gesture and transmission. Born from this experience, the gallery is guided by a deep respect for the Art of the Hand and explores how, in Japan, traditional techniques take form today in a contemporary artistic language.

The name “Tedō” brings together two Japanese kanji: 手 (te) — the hand, and 道 (dō) — the way.
Together, they express the Way of the Hand — an idea that connects tradition and movement.

Through exhibitions in Paris and beyond, the gallery presents works that bring craftsmanship and contemporary creation into dialogue. Alongside its exhibitions, Tedō accompanies collectors, interior architects and decorators in finding and developing works in close dialogue with artists, including pieces created with particular attention to the caracter and atmosphere of each space.