Lacquer has been used as paint since the Jomon era. Using lacquer for its durability and beautiful luster, Japanese artisans have crafted large numbers of both sacred objects and everyday containers. Collected and cherished by European royalty and nobility since the Age of Discovery in the sixteenth century, lacquer ware is even referred to as “japan” in English. Some lacquer ware found in collections overseas has retained the shape that was used in Japan, but many of the items in museums abroad have either been modified in form or use in the country of import, or they are so-called nanban lacquer ware made for export in Japan.
Lacquer is a durable material, but many objects have been damaged by use or deteriorated with the passing of time. Since museums hardly ever have access to expert restorers of lacquer ware, the objects are often in serious condition. This project has restored large numbers of lacquer ware pieces, but only a few are listed here. Each object is a notable example of lacquer ware in overseas collections. These objects with their magnificent gold maki-e designs on a jet black ground must have astonished Europeans at the time. The mother-of-pearl inlay technique, which uses green turban or other shells for ornamentation, is one of the traditional techniques for making lacquer art. The radiance of this delicate material is integrated into the expression of each piece.
17th century, The Victoria and Arbert Museum, Fiscal year of restoraion: 2008
17-18th century, Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst Köln, Fiscal year of restoraion: 1997-1998
16-17th century, Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Universiry of Oxford, Fiscal year of restoraion: 2009-2010
17th century, Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Universiry of Oxford, Fiscal year of restoraion: 2008
