Journey through Wajima-nuri: Mastering Endurance
Experience the exquisite art of Chinkin and Maki-e, rarely seen in the United States, as three master artisans from Wajima, Japan, travel to Los Angeles for a special two-day public event.
The event, held in collaboration with Los Angeles's website and its own WAZA Shop, will take place at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028.
On Friday, September 12, Akane Seiya will demonstrate the Chinkin technique from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, followed by Kyoko Shinohara's Maki-e demonstration from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. On the same day, there will be a break from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
The Chinkin demonstration involves carving floral designs into a panel, applying lacquer, and gold powder to enhance detail and brightness. The Maki-e demonstration, on the other hand, creates a panel artwork using powdered lacquer, which takes approximately 30-60 minutes.
For those who wish to participate, a free, hands-on Chinkin workshop will be held on Friday and Saturday, limited to six participants per day on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can engrave a simple design onto chopsticks during this workshop.
It's important to note that urushi, the Japanese lacquer used in these techniques, may cause allergic reactions in rare cases, including from airborne exposure. The area will be ventilated, but guests with known sensitivities may wish to take precautions.
The city of Wajima, famous for its centuries-old Wajima-nuri lacquerware tradition, was severely affected by a 7.6-magnitude earthquake on January 1, 2024. This initiative aims to highlight the artistry and cultural significance of Wajima-nuri, foster international collaboration, and support the region's recovery through cultural engagement and global awareness.
On Saturday, September 13, Kyoko Shinohara will demonstrate the Maki-e technique from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, and Akane Seiya will demonstrate the Chinkin technique from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The day will also include a break from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
In addition to the demonstrations, the event will feature a special display of one-of-a-kind lacquerware pieces, all available for purchase. This is a unique opportunity to witness and learn about these traditional Japanese techniques, and to take home a piece of Wajima-nuri history.
