Exhibition

This exhibition marks the 120th anniversary of the birth of Kuroda Tatsuaki (1904-1982), a renowned wood and lacquer artist active both before and after World War II.

Kuroda, a self-taught master who pursued lacquer art by studying classic works from both Japan and abroad, is celebrated for his extraordinary sculptural skill and proficiency in diverse techniques. His creative journey was significantly influenced by Yanagi Muneyoshi (Soetsu), who he met through Kawai Kanjiro, and he was involved in the Mingei (folk crafts) movement as a member of the Kamigamo Folk Crafts Guild. Kuroda’s creative journey was enriched by connections with such illustrious figures as Kawabata Yasunari, Shiga Naoya, Shirasu Masako, and Mushanokoji Saneatsu. Challenging the convention of division of labor in lacquer art, he oversaw every step of the process from material selection to crafting of the wooden base. This shaped his unique, bold, and powerful style, which earned the admiration of fellow artists, writers, and connoisseurs. Kuroda’s exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision made him the first artist working with wood to be designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property holder (Living National Treasure) in 1970.

The exhibition showcases a range of Kuroda’s works from throughout his long career, including pieces with a lustrous lacquer finish, dynamic wiped-lacquer objects crafted with curving and twisting techniques, and yogai raden mother-of-pearl inlay incorporating Mexican abalone which marked a breakthrough in the raden technique, as well as original sketches and previously unreleased materials. We invite you to explore the breadth and experience the essence of Kuroda’s oeuvre, from large-scale furniture to delicate items small enough to hold in your hand.