| As an attempt to protect and promote craft techniques, the Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition has been held every year since 1954. This year, from September 20th to October 2nd 2017, the 64th edition is held at Mitsukoshi department store in Nihonbashi. This exhibition is a rare chance to see some of the most skilled craftspeople’s work, from ceramics to lacquerware, dolls or textiles. The display of ceramics is incredible and presents such a variety of techniques, I was in awe. On top of that, I was able to find out about some techniques I had never heard of before: washizome (和紙染め) and nunozome (布染め). Or, literally, printing with washi paper or cloth. This painstaking process uses the absorbing quality of the washi paper to transfer the colour onto the ceramic piece. First, the pattern is drawn on the piece with a pencil. Then pieces of washi paper and delicately cut to the right shape. These pieces of paper are then put on the ceramic and the colour is added. The rough texture of the washi paper creates a unique effect while still allowing a high precision. You can see the whole process in this video. Nunozome is a similar technique but allows for a variety of textures depending of the weaving pattern.: | |
“With nunozome fabrics are cut into shapes and placed on surfaces and transferred using a brush to bring out colors” [1]
The pieces made with these techniques have very intricate details and subtle variations in colours and shades. I was particularly impressed with the work of Nakao Hidezumi (中尾英純), Nakamura Emiko (中村ゑ美), and Uwataki Kouichi (上瀧浩一) whose works are shown just above. The variety of patterns, colours and how each layer stands out is quite stunning.
To find out more about the Japan Kogei Association; a list of the members can be found on their website with photos of their work. Here is the link to the ceramic artists exhibited at the 64th in 2017.
1. Heritage: contemporary Japanese ceramics and metalwork, Onishi Gallery, PDF document.
To find out more about the Japan Kogei Association; a list of the members can be found on their website with photos of their work. Here is the link to the ceramic artists exhibited at the 64th in 2017.
1. Heritage: contemporary Japanese ceramics and metalwork, Onishi Gallery, PDF document.