Yukihiro Kono

About the Artist

Pursuing the Beauty of Use with Harmony of Urushi Lacquer and Wood

Woodwork artist Yukihiro Kono studied woodwork under his father after graduating from high school and currently works at his studio in Nogata City, Fukuoka. He pursues the harmony of form and wood grain, and "beauty of use" by creating pieces that are used in our every day life. He uses hollowing techniques, carving out precious wood with carving knives and chisels, and the wiped urushi technique, repeating the process of applying urushi lacquer and wiping, to bring out the best of the texture of the wood. As he aims to"make artwork where the color of the wiped urushi and luster blend with the wood and soothe people's hearts", his artwork is not only made to enjoy its beauty, but it is also made for people to feel his outstanding techniques and his thoughts while actually using it.

Style

Hollowing beautiful blocks of high-grade wood while pursuing the harmony of the form and wood grain, and finishing with lacquer. I aim to make the color gradation and gloss blend with the wood to become a piece that comforts people's minds.

Biography

• 1962
  Born in Nogata City, Fukuoka Prefecture
• 1980
  Studies under his father, Takahiro at his workshop
• 1992
  Submitted to and selected for the first time at the 39th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (selected 28 times up to 2013)
• 1993
  Submited to and selected for the first time at the 28th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (selected 28 times up to 2013)
• 1996
  Selected for the 4th Tanko Biennale Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition
  Becomes Full Member of the Japan Kogei Association
• 1997
  Participates in the successors training program by Living National Treasure, Ryozo Kawagita
• 1999
  Submitted to Toyama Traditional Kōgei Exhibition as a countenancer (submitted 21 times from this year onward)
  Two-person Exhibition with Kiyotsugu Nakagawa at Nihombashi Takashimaya Art Gallery
• 2002
  Becomes Manager of the Japan Kogei Association West Japan Branch
• 2011
  Judge at the Fukuoka City Art Competition
• 2014
  Solo Exhibition at Fukuoka Mitsukoshi (also in 2017)

Awards

• 1994
  Received the Asahi Shimbun Gold Award at the 29th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 1995
  Received the Asahi Shimbun Grand Award at the 30th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2002
  Received the Oita Governor Award at the 37th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2003
  Received the Kumamoto Prefecture Award at the 38th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2006
  Received the Oita Governor Award at the 41st West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2008
  Received the Japan Kogei Association Award at the 43rd West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2010
  Received the Kyushi Asahi Broadcasting Award at the 45th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2012
  Received the Asahi Shimbun Grand Award at the 47th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2014
  Received the KKB Kagoshima Broadcasting Corporation Award at the 49th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2015
  Received the Nogata Cultural Award
• 2019
  Received the Tokyo Metropolitan Borad of Education Award at the 17th Wood and Bamboo Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2025
  Kagoshima Broadcasting Corporation (KKB) Award , 59th West Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition

Official Site / Social Media etc.

• Instagram