Yumiko Nagaoka

• 1967
  Born in Fukuno, Nanto City in Toyama
• 1987
  Graduated from Kyoto Saga University of Arts Junior College, Japanese Painting Department
• 1988
  Studies under her father Tatsuo Nagaoka, 7th generation owner of picture framing and scroll mounting shop, Nagaoka Seijudo founded in 1773
• 1992
  Selected for the first time for The 39th Japan Tradional Kogei Exhibition
• 1996
  Artwork purchased by Fukuno town at The 20th Fukuno-machi Art Exhibition, two panel screen Shunsho (Spring Evening)
• 2000
  Becomes a full member of the Japan Kogei Association
• 2006
  "Today's Kogei in Nanto and Kanazawa" Art Exhibition at Nanto Fukumitsu Art Museum
  Solo art exhibition at Kogei Kitajima
• 2009
  Sunago artwork introduced on NHK TV program "Bi no Tsubo"
  Took part in art event, Saka-no-machi Art in Yatsuo 2009
  The 2nd "Today's Kogei in Nanto and Kanazawa" Art Exhibition at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
• 2010
  Tonamino Art "Tatsuo, Yumiko Nagaoka Sunago Exhibition" at Kitanihon Shimbun Tonami Branch Gallery
  Took part in Saka-no-machi Art in Yatsuo 2010
• 2011
  Took part in Saka-no-machi Art in Yatsuo 2011
• 2012
  The 1st "The Session! Art-no Shunei Exhibition" at Nanto Fukumitsu Art Museum
  Gold Leaf Sunago Art "Spring Evening" Exhibition at Johana Oriyakata
  Five Female Kogei Artists' Exhibition at Shogawa Museum
• 2013
  The 2nd "The Session! Art-no Shunei Exhibition"at Nanto Fukumitsu Art Museum
• 2016
  The Excellent Work of Yumiko Nagaoka Sunago Exhibition at Tonami Art Museum
• 2017
  New Year Exhibition by Two Artists at Kitanihon Shimbun Tonami Branch

Sunago zaiku is a traditional Japanese craft using gold and silver leaf which has been passed down for generations for one thousand years since the Heian period (from 794 to 1185) up to this day. Sunago zaiku was originally used as a supplementary decoration for picture scrolls and paintings. However, by making Sunago zaiku the main part of the artwork, the expression methods and skills have enhanced. The graceful beauty of nature is expressed with gradations and traditional techniques of gold and silver leaf decoration .
Gold leaf is very thin (0.0001mm) and difficult to use, but at the same time it is a protean and fascinating material. By making powder with the gold leaf, the brightness becomes soft and warm. Making layers of the gold powder will add a sense of depth to the artwork.
The impression of the gold leaf decoration also changes as the intensity and color of light changes with the cycle of seasons and flow of time. The appearance changes everyday, and this is what makes Sunago interesting and uniquely beautiful.

Join me in treasuring each moment and enjoying the changes of the seasons.

• 1991
  Received the Grand Prize at the 15th Fukuno-machi Art Exhibition
• 2000
  Received the Toyama Governor Prize at the 22nd Mounting Exhibition in Toyama
• 2008
  Received the Kitanihon Shimbun Award at Tonamino Art Exhibition 2008
  Received the Toyama Governor Award at the 26th Mounting Exhibition in Toyama
• 2015
  Received the Toyama Governor Award at the 54th Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition Toyama Branch
  Received the Japan Vocational Ability Development Association Chairman Award at the 21st National Mounting Artwork Exhibition
• 2016
  Received the Toyama Governor Award at the 30th Mounting Exhibition in Toyama
• 2017
  Received the Kitanihon Shimbun Award at the 56th Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition Toyama Branch