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
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Features
Mine Tanigawa’s meticulously crafted Japanese urushi lacquer sculptures
Mine Tanigawa’s meticulously crafted Japanese urushi lacquer sculptures
Watch Japanese artist Mine Tanigawa create delicate sculptures using urushi (lacquer), a natural tree sap with a history dating back over 7,000 years
What is lacquer (urushi) and where does it come from?
What is lacquer (urushi) and where does it come from?
Watch as urushi Artist Kenji Honma harvests lacquer by hand
Header image:
Order, ornamental box, by Ikeda Terumasa, 2024, Kanazawa, Japan. Museum no. FE.58-2024. © Akifumi Nakagawa