#Japan #Tokyo #Wako Ginza #Jihhei Murase #Lacquer Art

Jihhei Murase’s Lacquer Art Exhibition at Wako Ginza

The renowned Wako Ginza art space will host a captivating exhibition titled "The Lacquer Works of Jihhei Murase: Shapes Guided by Wood" from November 6 to 16. This event will take place in the Seiko House Hall and promises to showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Jihhei Murase, a lacquer artist celebrated both domestically and internationally.

Born in 1957 in Tokyo, Murase comes from a lineage of woodworkers dating back to the Edo period. He took on the name "Sandaime Jihhei" in 2001, inheriting a legacy of fine craftsmanship. Murase’s unique style merges the essence of natural wood with the depth of lacquer, garnering high acclaim from art enthusiasts worldwide.

During this exhibition, attendees will be treated to an array of over 70 works that reflect Murase’s dialogue with wood. Highlights include vases of varied expressions, incense holders that bring out the beauty of wood grain, and utensils designed to enrich everyday life. Notably, there will also be a standing tea table that allows visitors to appreciate the Japanese tea ceremony in a contemporary context. Each piece exemplifies Murase’s keen sensibility and technical skill to reveal the individuality of wood and the subtle expressions of lacquer.

The artistry showcased is not merely limited to traditional tea ceremony tools; rather, it embodies the principles of "functional beauty" that harmonizes with modern spaces. Murase’s contributions to the world of lacquer art have led to his works being housed in prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum, and the National Museum of Modern Art, Japan, establishing him as a vital figure in representing Japanese lacquer art on the global stage.

Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the captivating forms crafted through Murase's harmonious blend of various lacquer techniques. This exhibition is a celebration of artistry that not only honors tradition but also invites a contemporary appreciation of Japanese aesthetics.

Exhibition Details

The details of the exhibition at Wako Ginza are as follows:

• - Dates: November 6 (Thursday) to November 16 (Sunday)
• - Venue: Seiko House Hall, 6th Floor, Seiko House, 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
• - Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last day until 5:00 PM), open every day
• - Admission: Free

Wako Hall, which has recently been renamed to Seiko House Hall, aims to pivot to a creative space that will present exhibitions related to Seiko Group's business and various collaborative efforts with artists, contributing to a worldwide cultural dialogue. For those interested in photography during the event, it is requested to coordinate sessions outside of regular hours. Please check the official website or follow their Instagram for the latest updates and information regarding the exhibition.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistry of Jihhei Murase at Wako Ginza and witness the expressive potential of lacquer art inspired by the beautiful forms of wood.