HONG KONG, November 30, 2014 - Introducing works of Japanese lacquer ware, Takashi Wakamiya, an urushi artist specializing in wajima, unlocked the meanings and process behind this intricate trade of work. He drew the audience to a closer understanding of the Japanese culture and spirituality through Japan's practice of lacquer art in an afternoon presentation at Asia Society Hong Kong Center. "I would like to show this culture through looking at fine historic work and discuss its continuity today, as well as improve the understanding and interest in lacquer or Urushi art," said Wakamiya.

Other than using images and videos, Wakamiya san personally demonstrated the maki-e, the decoration technique used in lacquer ware live during the program. "The purpose of my production is to revive genuine urushi art today by research and development of the classic technique and design," concluded Wakamiya. With lacquerware being around Japan for several thousands of years, he believed that within the trade contains ancestral thought and important wisdom.

Event Information: Rethinking Japanese Culture Through Lacquer Art