Kanshitsu Box with Design in Kinma "Dense Winter Forest"

Description

• Category
  Lacquerware
• Dimensions
  H 12 x W 30 x D 11 cm
• Year of creation
  2024
• Rarity
  Unique

Techniques Used

Dry lacquer

For works of dry lacquer (kanshitsu), first a clay form is created and plaster is used to take a mold of the form. Next, repeated layers of hemp cloth and lacquer are applied to the mold until they are built up to the desired thickness. Finally, the mold is removed and additional coats of lacquer are applied to finish the piece. The hemp fibers are strengthened when the lacquer bonds with them, making dry lacquer an excellent technique for creating sturdy forms with a significant degree of freedom.

Kinma

There are three basic variations of kinma based on the method used for cutting the motifs: line cutting, dot cutting, and a combination of the two. All three types use a special carving blade known as a kinma ken. Originally, kinma only consisted of motifs made of incised lines. However, by combining a variety of colored lacquers and cutting techniques, the art has lent itself to increasingly complex designs.

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Awards received

• The 41st Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2024)
• Takamatsu Art Museum Incentive Award

Comment on Award

Snow is one of my favorite motifs that I am very charmed by, as it completely changes the usual scenery that you see everyday. I recall the winter scenery of my childhood days, when I was excited with the snow covering the trees and mountains, with nostalgia. I wanted to express the light and shadows within the scenery all white with snow, so I made the ridge line on the top of the box and drew a monochrome world. I overlapped the winter scenery in my heart that strangely feels warm.
Fueled by the joy of receiving this award, I will continue to work hard on producing my artwork. Thank you very much.
(from the Japan Kōgei Association Lacquerware Traditional Kōgei Exhibition Catalogue)

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