Vessel of Zelkova Wood Finished in Wiped Urushi

About the Artwork

I made this piece by hollowing out a block of wood with chisels and planes. I made a form that looks as if it is moving while considering the size of the zelkova wood and the wood grains.

Description

• Category
  Wood and Bamboo
• Materials
  Zelkova
• Dimensions
  H 7.5 x W 53.0 x D 19.7 cm
• Year presented
  2025
• Rarity
  Unique

Techniques Used

Wiped lacquer finish

Wiped lacquer (fuki urushi) is a wood-finishing technique consisting of a thin coat of lacquer. The lacquer is applied with a spatula or brush, rubbed in with a cotton cloth, and then wiped away using washi paper or clean fabric. Repeating the process numerous times produces a finish that brings out the wood’s grain and texture.

Awards received

• The 20th Wood and Bamboo Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2025)
• Mitsukoshi Isetan Award