Kenji Ekuan

The meaning of the word Urushi is, “japan.” This just shows the long history and connection Japan and Urushi have with one another.
After the Second World War, Japanese industrial products such as cameras, precision machines, and automobiles have been in high demand throughout the world. I have often wondered what other product I can take pride in that equals the high quality of these products. I came to the conclusion that Urushi ware is another Japanese product that is of the highest quality. Furthermore, Japanese Urushi ware has the power to invigorate and inspire us. It has the power to subtly evoke emotions that we never knew Urushi could extract from us.
The works submitted from China greatly impressed me as these artists appealed to their thought and emotion when cultivating a message to convey in their work. Their works successfully carried a message or a story one could identify with.
I have been invited to various competitions as a jury member. When I attend an Assessment, I expect to be entertained and intrigued by the works being assessed. This year, I felt the works in the exhibition to be consistently stimulating. I encountered a variety of works that expressed each artist’s personal and daily life. I predict this will become a common trend throughout the world.
I felt that a new feature of Urushi ware was uncovered by the Chinese artists. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who participated in holding this exhibition as well as to the artists for submitting their passionate works. I wish them much success in the future.

Nagatoshi Ohnishi

I have previously participated in this International Urushi Exhibition and always expect to encounter new features of Urushi ware. This exhibition allows me to envision the future of Urushi and hope artists would consider this as a natural material. By incorporating their decorating techniques and meticulous coating, artists have a chance to display their creativity using Urushi.
I would like to apologize for the lack of entries from France this year. Due to the March 11th disaster Japan suffered, many foreign artists were reluctant to submit their works. Despite this unfortunate setback, the exhibition received much more works from China than ever before. The level and quality Chinese artists brought to the exhibition have dramatically improved. A 24 year old artist studying at The China Academy of Arts was the recipient of the Grand Prize. Her work possesses a rather poetic quality. I regard this quality as a great hope for the future of this international exhibition.
In the past, we failed to appreciate the functional beauty of larger works. In the category of arts and crafts, some Urushi artists have created works as functional objects. I believe that interpretation and expression between utensils and objects is currently in a period of transition.
Urushi material and its techniques have an indescribable appeal. I am curious to see how artists and local Urushi industries will use it and create new works for the future. I like to continue the tradition of showing how dynamic this material is and sharing Urushi with the world.

Ryoichi Komatsu

This is for the ninth time Kanazawa has hosted the International Urushi Exhibition held every three years. Kanazawa has also had the honor of hosting the International Glass Exhibition for the past 28 years. This is a great example of Ishikawa’s interest in the world of arts and crafts and their deepened understanding in this complex field. I would like to express my gratitude and pride in the people of Ishikawa for their continued support and interest in the art world.
This year the exhibition received fewer submissions from Tokyo, the Tohoku district, and from countries abroad due to the tragic events on March 11th. However, we were delighted to receive more works from China and Korea which greatly added new dimensions to this year’s exhibition.
In addition, this year’s exhibition has seen an increase in younger artists from Japan and China. The final selection of works expresses their philosophy and creativity through the use of their intricate techniques. Each work represents the best creations from Urushi material as well as each artist’s techniques, skills and personal background. It was refreshing to find the works of each Prize winner were created by young students and artists. I look forward to the next exhibition and seeing how their craft has developed.

Kwon Sang-Oh

It is a great honor for me to serve as a Jury Member in this year’s International Urushi Exhibition. This year’s exhibition has seen a decrease in submission of works; for example only half the number of works from Korea was submitted. However, I was pleased to find new creations and development in various techniques of Urushi ware.
When I evaluated the works in the Final Assessment, my first impression of the works was that they seemed smaller in size. I was surprised to learn the works submitted this year was produced by younger artists especially the works from Ishikawa.
The works submitted from China are especially different in artistic taste. I have attended many exhibitions in China and I have never encountered a work like LOVE. The works from China in this year’s exhibition are simple, modern, and poetic. I believe they have been strongly influenced by Japanese works.
The exhibition displays a new trend in Urushi ware and I am sure it will continue to develop well into the future.

Fumio Mae

This is my third time participating in this exhibition as a jury member and my first time evaluating works in the Preliminary Assessment which gave me great pleasure viewing all works submitted.
In evaluating the works in this exhibition, I felt that the design and function aspect of Urushi ware was extremely important. This exhibition values each artist’s expression of using Urushi material as well as each artist’s use of his or her own techniques.
The exhibition this year received a number of submissions from Wajima. The techniques used in creating a work are extremely important especially in the field of arts and crafts. An artist must possess a certain skill in order to maximize the use of the chosen material. For example, the Wajima region greatly values artists’ techniques. This is a world of artisans and their techniques. I think it is important for these artists to integrate their artistic world with the contemporary changes of their everyday environment.
In evaluating each work, I concentrated on what the artist was trying to convey through the use of their techniques.

Shinichi Yamamura

I am deeply impressed by the variety of ways in which Urushi was used. Each artist created beautiful forms from various materials such as zelkova, bamboo, and paulownia. In addition, this exhibition has also seen materials such as fabrics, pottery, porcelain, and paper used with gold and silver leaf, egg shells and mother -of- pearl inlay.
Each work in the exhibition reflects the development of Urushi ware in contemporary society through the use of exquisite techniques and heartfelt design. This exhibition is truly rewarding.
I understand the difficulties Urushi ware producing-areas are currently facing in selling their products. Perhaps the cause stems from the current economic crisis as well as a need to keep up with the ever changing modern lifestyle. I believe that if you put more energy into the design of a product, you may encounter a different result.
I encourage all artists to develop new products of Urushi ware.