Panel Discussion

Gold Prize Winners (two works)(1/2)

NATSUME(MC) ───── We will now proceed to the Gold Prizes. As there are two, we will begin with the Art category winner:Meguriyuku (Circulating Glow) by Yoshihiko MURATA. Ms MITARAI, please give us your comments.

MITARAI ───── While I might be the person in this room who knows the least about the technicalities of lacquer, I have, perhaps by virtue of having lived a little longer, had the chance to observe a wide range of genres, from mass-produced items to fine art, and from traditional to contemporary crafts. In Mr MURATA’s work, I feel a tremendous sense of surrounding space. Looking at the way it stretches upwards, it makes one wonder where those lines might lead, perhaps even to the ends of the universe.

Upon closer inspection, it is crafted with incredible delicacy. The way the wood is carved into a twisted form… the overall silhouette and the minute techniques are perfectly integrated. In traditional crafts, there is often a sense that the technique exists first and is intended to be showcased. In contemporary art and craft, however, the sequence is different: there is first something one wishes to express, and then one delves into the techniques required to achieve it. Consequently, at first glance, one might not notice the sheer difficulty of the skill involved. Yet, looking closely, one finds a profound technical mastery within. The overall presence is magnificent. This is a work that makes me wish to meet the creator and see many of their other works.

NATSUME(MC) ───── Thank you, Ms MITARAI. As the Gold Prize Winner, Mr MURATA, is also present, I would like to introduce him. Please come forward and share your thoughts on the award and your work.

MURATA ───── I am Yoshihiko MURATA, the recipient of the Gold Prize. I have been working with lacquer for over 20 years, but this was my first submission to the Ishikawa International Urushi Exhibition. I am truly delighted to receive such an award.

This work was created by carving maple wood. Since my student days, I have always used the black of lacquer to explore the theme of ‘shadows.’ Shadows originally imply the existence of light, and while maintaining that concept, I have long wanted to try expressing ‘light’ itself. This was my first attempt at doing so, and since I was unsure if I had truly captured the light I envisioned, I decided to enter it into this competition to find out. Receiving this award makes me feel that I was not off the mark. Thank you very much.

NATSUME(MC) ───── Thank you, Mr MURATA.