This year marks the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci.
This drawing of the human body, from the collection of the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice, is a representation of the ideal body scale of ancient Rome.
The words "尺" and "尺骨" (ulna) are derived from the Chinese oracle bone script "尸" (corpse).
Even today, the body remains the standard for measurement, whether in the East or the West.
As Rikyu taught us in "Shuhari": "Even if you master and break the rules, never forget the foundation."
It is very important to understand how to determine the dimensions of my bowls.
Comparison
2019-10-03T22:00
Glue lacquer made from Chinese and Japanese lacquer.
For several years now, the quality of Chinese products has been depicted very negatively in the media.
I made dry lacquer bowls with both saps. All other aspects of the production conditions were identical.
Please come and see them at the exhibition. We look forward to seeing you.
Both Chinese and Japanese lacquer have their own unique characteristics.
In this exhibition, I would like to discuss the differences between the various species of plants and the tapping techniques that suit the trees. It is important to make good use of the characteristics of both.
Consumption Tax
2019-09-04T13:00
The consumption tax is going up in October. The price of domestic lacquer is also rising.
I have been offering these bowls since 1995 at a reasonable price, and I have tried my best to maintain that.
The base price of existing works will remain the same as before.
For this new project of dry lacquer bowls, I have also devised a new display comparing Chinese and Japanese lacquer.
I look forward to seeing you at the exhibition.
Rice with grated radish for summer fatigue is quite good.
Dry Lacquer Works and Wood Molds
2019-06-25T19:00
I use the inside of a cork or bowl as a prototype to minimize the amount of waste produced.
In order to truly understand the material of rough hemp bark, I processed it without using machines or chemicals.
I also explored its compatibility with raw lacquer. Making the most of the characteristics of each material is fascinating.
We are currently struggling to keep the price of the bowls affordable without raising it.
Documents
2019-06-15T12:00
Records preserved in the history of Joboji-cho.
Letter on the management of lacquer trees (c. 1596-1623).
Kemanai (former territory of the Nanbu domain) is part of present-day Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture.
The Nanbu clan "Zassho" (1652-1653) lacquer tax report clearly records the place names of Kazuno, Ninohe-gun, and Joboji.
This is a lacquer tree variety that requires a peeling sickle, a tool that has survived since the feudal era. There are fewer of them now.
Authenticity is an essential concept in World Heritage preservation.
Arasowan
2019-01-16T20:00
A work created for last year's exhibition at Tokiwa in Oita.
My main motivation for using such particular materials was simply that I wanted to use them myself.
I use this even more than regular soup bowls.
I want to use the bowls from Takashimaya and Kawatoku as well, but my wife gives me fearful looks.
The perception abroad that Japanese lacquer bowls are smelly and fragile has spread.
It is completely different from the bowls I make. It is quite troubling.
