Kenji Hishida, an artist who applies lacquer to pottery to craft tea ceremony utensils, sake vessels, and tableware is presenting over 250 of his original pieces in his solo exhibition at Ginza’s Kuroda Touen.
The exhibition, themed 'The Essence of Japanese Objects,' serves as a reimagined journey through Japanese art history. Hishida expertly mirrors expressive techniques found in various forms of Japanese art, from ancient wall paintings to Buddhist artworks, and from the Edo period's vibrant paintings to modern Japanese art.
Distinguished by Hishida's innovative fusion of pottery and lacquer art, the exhibition hosts unique pieces characterised by unmatched texture and depth. Lacquer, the exhibition's integral material, shines forth in every displayed piece, engaging both the knowledgeable connoisseur and the curious visitor.
Beyond the exhibition, Hishida offers an intriguing array of workshops at his Nogizaka atelier, 'Pottery and Lacquer.' Covering a spectrum of traditional Japanese techniques, the workshops include Kintsugi (gold joinery), lacquer painting, Maki-e (gold or silver powder sprinkled artwork), and pottery with both electric wheel and hand-forming techniques. Beginning from single sessions, participants can delve deep into the complexities of these artisanal processes.
The schedule for these immersive workshops, some of which are in English, can be found on the official website.