Seiko Fujino

About the Artist

Passing on 1000 Year Old Techniques to the Next Generation

Kirikane cut foil embellishing was introduced to Japan from China in the 6th century as a technique to beautifully decorate Buddha statues and Buddhist paintings. Gold leaf is finely cut with a bamboo knife, and the cut gold leaf is applied using two brushes, one in each hand, to draw patterns. Kirikane artist Seiko Fujino received the Japan Kōgei Association Incentive Award at the 70th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition. Using natural motifs, Fujino says she aims to make artwork that would make you want to talk to and those that can be handed down for generations. The delicate patterns on the gentle colors charm those who see her work.

Style

Kirikane is a traditional technique that has been passed down for generations from the ancient times. I try to make pieces that people would feel like talking to and those that would be appreciated by the future generation. I hope you enjoy the gently shining colorful world of kirikane.

Biography

• 1983
  Graduated from Kyoto City Dohda Senior High School of Art, Japanese Painting Department
  Studied under Sayoko ERI, Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property for "Kirikane"
• 2008
  Coffer with Design in Kirikane "Floral Pinwheel" submitted to the 55th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time purchased by the Imperial Household Agency
• 2009
  Submitted to and selected for the 38th Kinki Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
• 2015
  Becomes Full Member of the Japan Kōgei Association
• 2017
  Submitted to and selected for the 26th Various Works Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
• 2018
  Artwork submitted to the 65th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition purchased by the Imperial Household Agency
• 2019
  Three-person Exhibition "The World of Beauty and Handcraft " at Kyoto Porta Gallery Hana
  Exhibition at the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
  "Development of Japanese Arts & Crafts"
• 2020
  Solo Exhibition at Art Gallery Oyama, The Imperial Hotel Plaza Osaka
  Exhibition "Beauty of Gold, Beauty of Gold Leaf" at the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
• 2021
  Exhibition "Japanese Arts and Crafts Kirikane and Gold Leaf" at the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
• 2022
  Solo Exhibition at Gallery Ishibekoji Wada, Kyoto
  Coffer with Design in Kirikane “Colorful and Fragrant Flowers” submitted to the 69th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition purchased by the Imperial Household Agency
• Evaluator at the Kinki Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2019, 2020)
  Evaluator and Judge at the Kinki Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2023)
  Evaluator and Judge at the Various Works Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2023)

Awards

• 2016
  Received the Osaka Board of Education Award at the 45th Kinki Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for Coffer with Design in Kirikane "Kaleidoscope in the Spring Sunlight"
• 2021
  Received the Asahi Shimbun Award at the 28th Various Works Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for Coffer with Design in Kirikane "Delicate Light"
• 2023
  Received the Japan Kōgei Association Incentive Award at the 70th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for Coffer with Design in Kirikane "Sparkling Kaleidoscope"
• 2025
  Mitsukoshi Isetan Award, 30th Various works Traditional Kōgei Exhibition