The basement floor of the main store will be hosting an exhibition of new lacquerware by lacquer artist Kohei Kirimoto from August 1st to 28th. In addition to new flower vases and sake vessels inspired by the nature of Noto, there will be a series of regenerated Wajima lacquerware that was damaged in this year's earthquake.
The basement of the main store was reborn as "Arts and Culture" on July 20th of this year. This floor is not just a place to shop, but a base for conveying the stories behind the products, such as the traditions and techniques that have been handed down for hundreds of years, the Japanese aesthetic sense that is born from how we interact with nature, and the time spent pursuing creativity, and is a place for culture and people to interact.
Since the founding of its predecessor, Hattori Watch Shop, Wako has introduced products that represent the best of artisan craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, and has held regular art exhibitions to foster diverse perspectives and inspiration through its interactions with the people who gather there. While carrying on the spirit of respecting arts and culture that runs through Wako, we will continue to present the works of Japanese craftsmen and contemporary artists from the unique perspective of the basement.
This time, the basement floor of our main store will be hosting an exhibition of new lacquerware by lacquer artist Kohei Kirimoto from August 1st to 28th.
Born into a family that has been involved with lacquer for eight generations in Wajima on the Noto Peninsula, Kohei Kirimoto is also an artist who continues to confront new forms of expression. The lacquerware that Kirimoto creates is characterized by its one-of-a-kind shapes, made using a "dakkan lacquer technique" that uses lacquer, cloth, rice, diatomaceous earth, and other materials, and is made by taking molds from stones and fruits found in the sea of Noto. Unlike traditional "Wajima lacquerware," which is made by layering lacquer on a potter's wheel-shaped wooden base and applying gorgeous maki-e, the organic shapes that celebrate the beauty of natural forms are imbued with the thoughts of the artist, who was born and raised in Noto and has continued to face the nature of this land.
"The stones I choose are not ones that are suitable for a bowl or have a well-balanced shape, but ones that I simply find lovely. I am drawn to shapes that could not have been made intentionally by humans," Kirimoto said in an interview.
"The Noto Peninsula has experienced repeated earthquakes for tens of millions of years. It is said that each time this occurred, the ground rose up, forming the peninsula. Over tens of thousands of years, the soil, stones, and rocks on the seafloor rose up to form mountains on land, only to collapse and flow back into the sea. The stones on this coast tell us about the workings of the earth."
This exhibition will display and sell tableware suitable for everyday life, focusing on new works such as flower vases and sake vessels created with the theme of "respect for life."
In addition to the new pieces, there are Wajima lacquerware bowls that were in the process of being made or were damaged and were brought from houses and workshops that were damaged in the earthquake in January this year. Kirimoto has applied a base coating technique using diatomaceous earth harvested in Noto to finish and restore them. Please feel free to think about the great nature of Noto as you experience the diversity of the shapes of the vessels.
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Kohei Kirimoto
Lacquer artist. Born in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1992. Using dry lacquer techniques made from lacquer, hemp, rice, and diatomaceous earth, he creates works centered on "respect for life." He also collaborates with Wajima craftspeople, as well as with artists and brands from Japan and abroad.
Lacquer artist Kohei Kirimoto's new lacquerware exhibition
Thursday, August 1st – Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 11:00–19:00
Main store basement floor Arts and Culture Artist presence date: August 1st (Thursday)
◎Schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
home page
https://www.wako.co.jp/c/artsandculture
Arts and Culture Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/artsandculture_wako_ginzatokyo/
From the press release of Wako Co., Ltd.
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