We are delighted to share that the sculpture “A Cloud from Mandalay” (1988) by Professor Moegi Ito, husband of the College member Dr Yoko Tanese-Ito, is now on display in the East Asia Collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum, East Storehouse. Professor Ito is widely recognised as an important figure in contemporary Japanese metalworking, known for transforming industrial aluminium into elegant, hand-crafted forms. Created during a particularly inventive period of his career, “A Cloud from Mandalay” reflects both technical mastery and poetic inspiration, its title recalling his travels in Southeast Asia in the late 1980s. Learn more about the piece on the V&A website.

Since their first stay at Clare Hall in 1984–85, Professor Ito and Dr Tanese-Ito have generously donated four works to the College, including the sculptures “Wind Pointing to the Pole” (2002) and “Spring Breeze” (1997). These gifts continue to enrich the life of Clare Hall, and it is a joy to see “A Cloud from Mandalay” — donated directly to the V&A — now celebrated on such an international stage. We send our warmest congratulations to Professor Ito and Dr Tanese-Ito on this wonderful achievement.