Gallery Japan ｜The World's Best Online Gallery of Traditional Japanese Art

Kaoru Uchino

Price Range Under $16,000

The prices of the artworks on Gallery Japan are determined by the artists themselves and are published directly on the website.

The Elegance of Makie Enhancing Wood Grain

Kaoru Uchino studied lacquer arts at Tokyo University of the Arts and has honed his technique at the forefront of the field, continuously being selected for the Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition—the top public exhibition in Japan—and participating in the creation of sacred treasures for the Shikinen Sengu of Ise Jingu Shrine. From the year 2000, he spent four years involved in the restoration project of ceiling paintings using kijimakie (decorating unlacquered wood with makie) at Kotohiragu Shrine. Inspired by this experience, he became captivated by the beauty of this technique that brings out the natural wooden base, establishing the artistic style he uses today. Capturing moments of natural scenery and the subtleties of light with a poetic sensibility, his solid technique harmonizes with the delicate texture and beautiful grain of the wood without compromising them, bringing a deep, quiet dimension to his artwork.

The 54th Ceramics Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2026)

The top ceramics exhibition in Japan.
Introducing awarded artworks that have been strictly judged and selected from the newest works of ceramic artists who are members of the Japan Kōgei Association, using particularly chosen material and techniques.