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Urushi Now: Contemporary Japanese Lacquer
Urushi (lacquer) has been used in Japan for over 7,000 years. For centuries, lacquer-making techniques developed locally while reflecting cross-cultural influences from Asia. This display highlights the diversity of 21st-century artistic expression.
Display highlights
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Red Flow, sculpture, by Ishizuka Genta, 2024, Kyoto, Japan -
Clown, box, by Uesugi Gakusui, 2021, Kyoto, Japan -
Work (no title), sculpture, by Ikeda Iwao, 2013, Tokyo, Japan -
Lacquer kettle simulating a rusted cast-iron kettle, by Hikoju Makie, 2026, Kanazawa, Japan -
After the Rain, vessel, by Nakata Mayu, 2025, Kanazawa, Japan -
Order, box, by Terumasa Ikeda, 2024, Kanazawa, Japan -
Spiral, container, by Hayashi Satoru, 2021, Takaoka, Japan -
Jellyfish, box, by Aoki Kōdō, 2017, Tokyo, Japan -
BODY 21-1, sculpture, by Chie Aoki, 2021, Kanazawa, Japan -
Bird of Paradise, sculpture, by Hashimoto Chitaka, 2026, Toyama, Japan -
Lotus Box, by Shintani Hitomi, 2026, Takaoka, Japan -
Inner side - Outer side 2026 - V, sculpture, by Tanaka Nobuyuki, 2026, Kanazawa, Japan -
Massive Flower, box, by Murose Kazumi, 2012, Tokyo, Japan
Header image:
Order, ornamental box, by Ikeda Terumasa, 2024, Kanazawa, Japan. Museum no. FE.58-2024. © Akifumi Nakagawa