Fumihiko Arakawa

• 1961
  Born in Yamanaka Town, Enuma County, Ishikawa Prefecture
• 1980
  Studied under Urushi Artist ISHIKAWA Shozo
• 1989
  Started lacquer work at the Arakawa Urushi Studio
• 1994
  Selected for the Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
• 1995
  Designated as a “Traditional Craftsman” by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
  Selected for the Ishikawa Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
  Selected for the 43rd Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
• 1998
  Selected for the 5th Tanko Biennale
  Selected for the 45th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 1999
  Selected for the 46th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
  Certified as Full Member of the Japan Kōgei Association
• 2010
  Submitted as a judge at the Ishikawa Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition
  Solo exhibition at Green Arts Gallery, “Kanazawa City”
• 2011
  Submitted as a judge at the Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2012
  Specially invited to submit at the Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2013
  Specially invited to submit at the Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2014
  Submitted as a judge at the Ishikawa Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• Selected successively for the Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition after being selected for the first time at the 43rd Exhibition
  Selected successively for the Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition after being selected for the first time
  Selected successively for the Ishikawa Traditional Kōgei Exhibition after being selected for the first time

I make the most of the natural luster of lacquer and finish it using the nuritate technique, a technique to apply a finishing coat of lacquer and allow it to harden without polishing. I then add decorations using gold and silver wires.

Pursuing the Beauty of Urushi Lacquer with Outstanding Techniques

Lacquerware artist Fumihiko Arakawa creates his artwork in the Yamanaka Onsen District of Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture where Yamanaka-nuri (lacquerware) is produced. Yamanaka-nuri is known for making the most of the wood grain of the wooden base, but Arakawa uses a lacquering technique called "kyushitsu", and is highly evaluated for his work with beautiful urushi lacquering. He has received many awards following his first selection for the Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition where the artworks of top level lacquerware artists in Japan, from Living National Treasures to up-and-coming artists gather in 1994. With his outstanding techniques, Arakawa creates a smooth texture by making the most of the original gloss of urushi lacquer. His artwork has a deep charm that comes from the rich appearance of urushi lacquer.

• 1998
  Received the Incentive Award at the Ishikawa Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 1999
  Received the Incentive Award at the Ishikawa Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2002
  Received the Tokyo Board of Education Award at the Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2005
  Received the Incentive Award at the Ishikawa Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
  Received the Minister of Education, Science and Culture Prize at the 52nd Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (artwork purchased by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
• 2007
  Received the Agency for Cultural Affairs Commissioner’s Award at the Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2008
  Received the Tokyo Board of Education Award at the Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
  Received the Ishikawa Sado Association President’s Award at the Kanazawa Castle Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Public Exhibition
• 2009
  Received the Governor of Ishikawa Prize at the Kanazawa Castle Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Public Exhibition
• 2010
  Received the MOA Museum of Art Award at the Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition