[Ginza Wako] “A Microcosm of Visions II – The Phosphorescence of Five Contemporary Lacquer Artists” will be held from November 27th (Friday).

An exhibition featuring five artists who are carrying on the tradition of lacquer art while challenging themselves with new forms of expression.

From November 27th (Fri) to December 6th (Sun), Wako in Ginza will host an exhibition at the Seiko House Hall featuring five lacquer artists who are captivated by the potential of the precious material lacquer and explore its expressive possibilities through their unique perspectives and aesthetic sensibilities.

(Top visual credit: [Ken Hiwatari] Makie-inlaid tea caddy "Bat under the Moon" φ5.4×h8cm)

With "the importance of communicating with people" as a common foundation, Ken Hiwatari pursues forms that resonate with people's hearts, while Takamasa Yoshino works on sculptural expressions overflowing with vitality. Katsuji Kamata creates vessels that utilize the flowing and beautiful lines of dry lacquer, and Yoshihiko Murata presents sculptural works that reflect the presence and lingering impression of existence, with "shadow" as the theme. And Mamiko Masumura breathes life into the serene beauty of human figures with her outstanding painting technique.
This exhibition brings together a collection of works that encapsulate the allure of contemporary lacquer art, ranging from elegant vessels to original objects and intricately crafted human figures.
Like stars shining in the night sky, each artwork embodies an inner "microcosm." Through its subtle glow, we invite you to experience the profound worldviews envisioned by these five artists at the exhibition.

Ken Hiwatari (Hiwatari Ken) – Brief Biography
Born in Akita Prefecture in 1977.
In 1997, he studied under Eiji Nishizuka.
Graduated from the Ishikawa Prefectural Wajima Lacquerware Technical Training Institute, Makie (lacquer painting) course in 2000.
2003- Worked at Mejiro Urushigei Cultural Properties Research Institute
2015 Momoi (Every other year until 2025)
2018 "The Current State of Lacquer Art" (Wako Hall)
2022 "A Microcosm of Visions – The Phosphorescence of Four Contemporary Lacquer Artists" (Seiko House Hall)
2023: Superb Techniques for the Future! Meiji Crafts and Their DNA (Exhibition)

Takamasa Yoshino
Born in Tokyo in 1976.
Solo exhibitions in 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2012 (Ginza Galerie Pousse)
2008: Completed doctoral course at Tokyo University of the Arts, obtained Ph.D. (Fine Arts)
Solo exhibitions in 2011, 2014, 2017, and 2020 (Art Salon, 6th Floor, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store)
2015, 2018, 2019, 2021-2025: Tobi Art Fair (Tokyo Art Club / Nishiura Ryokusuido)
2018 "The Current State of Lacquer Art" (Wako Hall)
2022 "A Microcosm of Visions – The Phosphorescence of Four Contemporary Lacquer Artists" (Seiko House Hall)
2026 Urushi Now Contemporary Japanese Lacquer (Victoria and Albert Museum / London, UK)
Currently a professor in the Department of Crafts at Kanazawa College of Art.

Katsuji Kamata
Born in Tokyo in 1977.
Graduated from the Department of Fine Arts, Faculty of Art, Tohoku University of Art and Design in 2000. Enrolled in the Lacquerware Department of the Ishikawa Prefectural Wajima Lacquerware Technical Training Institute and studied under lacquer artist Akagi Akito.
Graduated from the Ishikawa Prefectural Wajima Lacquerware Technical Training Institute, Lacquerware Department in 2003.
2004 End of term
2005: Service as a token of gratitude
Became independent in 2006, and has since held exhibitions both in Japan and abroad.

Yoshihiko Murata
Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1977.
Graduated from the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Kanazawa College of Art in 2001.
Completed training at Kanazawa Utatsuyama Craft Workshop in 2005.
2017 HARD BODIES : CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE LACQUER SCULPTURE
(Minneapolis Institute of Arts / Minnesota, United States)
2023 NEW JAPANESE LACQUER ART FROM HOKURIKU
(Münster Lacquerware Museum / Münster, Germany)
Urushi-style turbulent waves – Lacquerware expressions racing through the present – (Wajima Lacquer Art Museum, Ishikawa Prefecture)
Gold Medal at the 2026 International Lacquer Exhibition, Ishikawa (Ishikawa Prefectural Government Memorial Shiinoki Guest House)
Currently a specialist in lacquerware at the Kanazawa Utatsuyama Craft Workshop.

Masumura Mamiko
Born in Tokyo in 1986.
Completed graduate studies in lacquer arts at the Department of Crafts, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2011.
2012 Solo Exhibition: Scab (waitingroom/Tokyo)
2013: Research student in the Sculpture Department, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
2016 Solo Exhibition HIFU (waitingroom/Tokyo)
2019 Solo Exhibition: room (Nihonbashi Takashimaya Gallery X, Osaka Takashimaya Gallery NEXT)
Residing in the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 2022

"A Microcosm of Visions II – The Phosphorescence of Five Contemporary Lacquer Artists -"
Friday, November 27, 2026 – Sunday, December 6, 2026

Venue: Seiko House Hall (6th floor, Seiko House, 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
For inquiries, please call: 03-3562-2111 (main number)
Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (until 5:00 PM on the last day)
Closed: Open every day Admission: Free Organized by: Wako

◎At Seiko House Hall, we will be showcasing various aspects of the Seiko Group's business, including exhibitions related to all aspects of our operations and collaborative projects with artists, to communicate with the world in a variety of ways.
◎If you would like a photo shoot, we can accommodate you outside of our regular business hours.
◎Business hours and events are subject to change without notice.
For the latest information, please visit our website.
Homepage
https://www.wako.co.jp/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/wako_ginza_tokyo/
Instagram dedicated to art
https://www.instagram.com/art_wako_ginza_tokyo/

[From Wako Co., Ltd. press release ]

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