An exhibition featuring artisan Hiroshi Nakakado’s unique lacquerware will be on display at Yokohama Takashimaya from September 29 until October 5, 2021. Wajima, located in Ishikawa prefecture, is home to 25,000 people, and a number of craftsmen producing Wajima-nuri, known throughout the country as some of the most durable and beautiful lacquered products in Japan.
Umbrella Dessert Dish: ¥31,900
Umbrella Dessert Dish: ¥59,400
Coffee Cup & Saucer: ¥49,500
Pasta Bowl: ¥30,800
Cube Vase: ¥26,400
Umbrella Cup: ¥52,800
Limited-Edition Takashimaya 190th Anniversary Goods | Wine Glass: ¥67,100 / Dry Lacquer Sake Cup (small): ¥33,000 / Dry Lacquer Sake Cup (medium): ¥35,200 / Oval Tray: ¥60,500
Nakakado Lacquerware, established in 1928, specializes in the top coating of Wajima-nuri, the traditional lacquerware made in the small city of Wajima, in Ishikawa prefecture. Nakakado Hiroshi, a fourth-generation craftsman, is one of the leading experts on ‘colored lacquer.’ Using his unique technique, each piece is treated like a canvas and painted on appropriately. Gazing at each detailed piece, it’s easy to see that Nakakado has over 40 years of experience in his field–he has created over 100 different colors of lacquer, and continues to create modern lacquerware featuring trendy techniques such as gradation. His innovative pieces break the mold of traditional Wajima-nuri, and are beginning to become popular with younger generations.
In recent years, the production value of Wajima-nuri has begun to decline, largely due to changes in lifestyle, the aging population, and a lack of successors due to the low birth rate in Japan. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to foreign tourism, with local tourism also in a steep decline over the past year. Compared to the amount of production in 1991, the current rate is only 20%, and the number of workshops and craftsmen continues to decline year after year.
If you’re in the area, be sure to check out this exhibition highlighting one of the traditional crafting areas of Japan. Purchasing any of these items will also help revitalize Wajima city, and hopefully, bring more attention back to this fading craft.
Information
Traditional Wajima Lacquered Goods by Nakakado Hiroshi
Running: September 29 – October 5, 2021 (Closes at 5 on October 5)
Address: Yokohama Takashimaya 7F – Japanese Tableware Section https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/yokohama/
Official Site: https://wajimanuri.info/
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Information
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