Akihiro Ueno

About the Artist

Expressing the Nature of Noto in His Artwork

The lacquer art technique "chinkin" (gilded line engraving) was introduced to Japan from China approximately 600 years ago and developed in Wajima, Ishikawa. It is a traditional technique where lines and dots are engraved on the lacquered surface using a chisel or carving knife, and are filled with gold leaf or gold powder to create delicate patterns. Lacquer artist Akihiro Ueno uses the chinkin technique to express wild birds and plants, and the number of his fans are increasing both within Japan and internationally. He has been working at his studio in Nanao, Ishikawa, but was affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024. He says, "Noto is surrounded by cruel, yet beautiful nature, but I would like to continue working here to create my artwork".

Biography

• 2002
  Graduated from the Ishikawa Prefectural Institute of Wajima Lacquer, Special Course
• 2004
  Selected for the 22nd Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
  Selected several times from this year onward
• 2006
  Graduated from the Ishikawa Prefectural Institute of Wajima Lacquer, Chinkin Course
• 2007
  Selected for the 47th Ishikawa Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
  Selected several times from this year onward
• 2008
  Worked at the Educational Affairs Department of the Ishikawa Prefectural Institute of Wajima Lacquer Arts
  Selected for the 55th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition for the first time
  Selected several times from this year onward
• 2016
  Lecturer at the Ishikawa Prefectural Institute of Wajima Lacquer
• 2017
  Assistant lecturer at the Ishikawa Prefectural Institute of Wajima Lacquer
• 2024
  Worked at the Educational Affairs Department of the Ishikawa Prefectural Institute of Wajima Lacquer Arts

Awards

• 2012
  Received the Japan Kōgei Association Award at the 53rd Ishikawa Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2016
  Received the MEXT Award at the 33rd Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition