Join us for a special exhibition at HULS Gallery Millenia Walk, dedicated to the artistry and resilience of Wajima lacquerware. This showcase features Wajima Kirimoto, a distinguished workshop with over 200 years of expertise in crafting exquisite lacquerware. Led by seventh-generation head Taiichi Kirimoto, the company has long upheld the traditions of wood and urushi craftsmanship while embracing contemporary aesthetics.

This exhibition holds deeper significance, as it supports the artisans of Wajima in the wake of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which deeply impacted the region’s lacquerware industry. Through this event, we celebrate both the enduring beauty of Wajima lacquerware and the unwavering spirit of its craftsmen.

At the heart of this showcase is the Jubako layered box, an elegant, minimalist creation that highlights the refined technique of Wajima lacquer. Made by applying layers of jinoko—a traditional mixture of calcined diatomaceous earth, raw lacquer, and glue—onto a wooden base covered with cloth and layering lacquer, Wajima lacquerware is renowned for its durability and deepening beauty over time. Each piece reflects generations of skill and dedication, embodying a legacy meant to be cherished for years to come.

Adding to the experience, visitors will have the rare opportunity to witness a live woodworking demonstration by Taiichi Kirimoto, where he will carve wooden spoons—an essential step before the application of lacquer. While lacquerware is often admired for its final form, this demonstration provides a rare glimpse into the foundational craftsmanship that defines these exquisite pieces.

Whether you are a collector or simply curious about the world of Japanese craft, this exhibition is a chance to appreciate the history and resilience of Wajima lacquerware.

HULS Gallery Millenia Walk
Live Demonstration: 22 & 23 March 2024
Exhibition: 22 – 30 March 2024
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm

Special column “Toward the Revitalization of Wajima Lacquerware”
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