乾漆工房・直　Kanshitsu Kobo・Nao

English

My Thoughts on Urushi

I continue to create with a deep sense of wonder for the culture of Urushi, a tradition cherished across generations and carried with care into the present day. When I first encountered Urushi, I saw a black, lustrous sap gently stirring before my eyes. It seemed almost alive. As I began working with Urushi Sap, the lifeblood of the Urushi tree that is shaped by nature, there are moments during the creative process when the work seems to move beyond my intention and the inherent power of Urushi begins to reveal itself. For me, Urushi is a gift from the natural world. Through Kanshitsu, the traditional dry-lacquer technique, I honour the timeless beauty of Urushi while exploring the connections and harmonies within nature. My work seeks to make these relationships visible.

My encounter with Urushi

After graduating from Musashino Art University, I went to Italy to study design.
While I had many opportunities to think about Japan's beauty, I realiesed that Japan had Urushi. On returning to Japan after a year, I knocked on Master Nagatoshi Onishi's door and was trained under him for 3 years. The very first time I saw Urushi Sap, I was moved by its beauty and mystery. Now I feel the happiness of working with this natural material.

What is Kanshitsu (dried lacquer) technique?

The technique of Kanshitsu is created by adding layers of Linen material coating with natural adhesive such as wheat Urushi and glue Urushi on the mould. When the ideal thickness has been created, the Urushi coated linen layers is released from the mould. It is reported that Kanshitsu technique was introduced to Japan in the early 7th century (Nara period) when trade with China became prosperous. The technique was used for the production of Buddha statues because of its light weight and durability. Typical Kanshitsu Buddha statues include the Ashura statue at Kofukuji Temple and the Ganjinwajozajo statue at Toshodaiji Temple.
"Japan" has also the meaning of "URUSHI".

Personal　History

BIOGRAPHY 　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　

1975.09	Born in Tokyo, Japan Lived and brought up in Rome, Italy
1999.03	Graduated from Musashino Art University, Department of Scenography, Displayand Fashion Design
2000.10	Studied Design at Scuola Politecnica di Design in Milan, Italy(Graduated in 2000) Worked as an apprentice in Studio Architetto Anri Azuma
2001.09	Returned to Japan Apprentice under Honorary Professor of National University of Fine Arts and Music,Nagatoshi Onishi
2004.09	Left Master Nagatoshi Ohnishi and became an independent artist
2007.12	Naoko Kusuda Exhibition, Gallery Shunn Tokyo Hiroo
2009.12	Kanshitsu Exhibition, Gallery Shunn Theme -The Fountainhead of Life Tokyo Hiro
2013.10	Encountering Kanshitsu Exhibition, Gallery Tachibana Nara
2017.12	Kanshitsu Exhibition, Gallery Tachibana Nara

GROUP EXHIBITIONS 　　　　　　　　　　

2006.10	Master Nagatoshi Ohnishi and his Pupil Galeria Mao Gallery Tokyo
2008.04	MA by So Shi Te, Shop Tokyo, Minami-Aoyama
2008.11	Project supported by the Tekisuiken Cultural Foundation Art Line Kashiwa 2008 Chiba, Kashiwa
2008.12	Master Nagatoshi Ohnishi and his Pupil Exhibition Galeria Mao Gallery Tokyo
2009.07	Art of Master Nagatoshi Ohnishi and his Pupil Theme: Succession of Lacquer Kogei Gallery, Tokyu Department Store Tokyo, Shibuya
2016.02	Nara Crafts Exhibition with 6 Artists Tokyo, Nihonbashi
2016.09	Exhibition of Two Artists Ibaragi
2019.01	art space Morgenrot Gallery Tokyo, Minami-Aoyama
2020.12	Urushiーjapan jewelsー Gallery Okaria Tokyo, Ginza
2021.01	Collaborative Exhibition at PAKUPAKUAN,Online “blaCk eCho” Exhibition feat. Calligrapher SHIRAISHI Setsuhi & Japanese Lacquer Artist KUSUDA Naoko Echo of the Soul of Language to Hear from a Vessel of the Jet Black Tokyo, Minami-Aoyama
2022.01	Exhibition of Two Artists art space Morgenrot Gallery Tokyo, Minami-Aoyama
2022.06	Summer Night Tea Ceremony 2022 PAKUPAKUAN blaCk eCho exhibited at the group exhibition Tokyo, Ginza
2022.11	Exhibition of Two Artists Galeria Mao Gallery Tokyo
2024.01	New Year Special Exhibition“TEA-COLLE 2025” PAKUPAKUAN blaCk eCho exhibited at the group exhibition Tokyo, Minami-Aoyama
2024.11	art space Morgenrot Gallery Tokyo, Minami-Aoyama
2020.01	The 5th Exhibition with Master Ohnishi and his Pupil “Small Messages Exhibition from World Urushi Culture Council (WUCC)” Nobana Art Work in GINZA Tokyo, Ginza (2025 / 2024 / 2023 / 2022)

AWORDS

2006.02	Nagatoshi Ohnishi Jury Award Tableware Original Design Division (Professional Class) 14th Talbleware Festival Competition Tokyo
2008.10	Excellence Award "Wan ;one Competion 2008" Kanazawa,Ishikawa
2011.02	Honorable Mention 19th Talbleware Festival Competition Tableware Original Design Division (Professional Class) Tokyo
2014.11	Jurors'Special Prizes,Kwon Sang-Oh Prize The International UrushiExhibition Ishikawa 2014 Kanazawa,Ishikawa

SELECTIONS

2014.10	Itami International Craft Exibition 2014 Itami,Hyogo
2023.10	The International Urushi Exhibition Ishikawa2023 Kanazawa,Ishikawa (2008/2017 Selected)

　

For more information please contact nkusuda@kanshitsu.com