Yumiko Nagaoka

• Sunagowork
• 1967 -

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.