Afternoon Presentation by TAKASHI WAKAMIYA, Japanese Lacquer Artist
Coffee & Tea Reception at 1.45pm
Presentation at 2pm
Close at 4.30pm

Wajima lacquer is one of the most highly evaluated crafts in Japan. The technique and tradition began in the Jomon period around 5000 years ago. It takes 6 to 7 craftsmen and about 120 steps including decoration to create a piece of lacquer ware from scratch. Records from the 1476 Bun Mei era, as well as craftsmanship shown on lacquer wares excavated from archaeological ruins in Ohyasyou, the historical area in Wajima, demonstrated the technique's early existence and has transcended the centuries as it was much protected by feudal lord Nukui during Muromachi period.

Wajima was one of the most important port towns at that time, the finest craftsmen would gather, allowing division of labor in the production process, further enhancing both production and sales of the craft all over Japan. With the introduction of genuine gold and silver decorations in middle to late Edo period, Wajima lacquer wares became one of the most superior lacquer wares in Japan, and the only form of Japanese lacquer that was designated a national intangible cultural asset. Wajima lacquer master Takashi Wakamiya will give an overview of the history and development of the craft, detailing special meaning behind patterns, colors and shapes on pieces of lacquer ware that will be on display, as well as demonstrate some of the intricate steps involved in the creation of these exquisite works of art.

Takashi Wakamiya was born in 1964 in Ishikawa. As an urushi artist, he works not only as a lacquer/ gold lacquer master, but as a producer of the "Hikojyu Makie" group, a group of craftsmen that creates new works based on traditional design and inheritance of patterns. He regularly examines old techniques to apply to his own work, with the aim of passing these ideas down to the next generation. He has exhibited in Europe, and his work is in the permanent collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.