At the beginning of June, I had the special opportunity to meet two Living National Treasures at the World of Japanese Kogei-Art event, and ever since then, I've wanted to share this wonderful experience with you all. Finally, today, I had the time to write about it. The event took place in New York City. More precisely, it took place, interestingly enough, on board the luxury Japanese cruise ship "Asuka II" that docked at Pier 88.
The thing I was looking forward to most about this event was meeting Mr. Murose Kazumi in person. He is a Living National treasure in the field of Maki-e* (蒔絵).
Letter Box with Design in Maki-e and Mother-of-pearl Inlay “Tenkei” by Kazumi Murose, Living National Treasure in *Maki-e.
*Maki-e is the decorative technique of Japanese urushi art and is a way of producing pictorial designs using urushi and sprinkled metal powder such as gold or silver.
**Usushi refers to Japanese lacquer which is a natural sap from a tree that is grown in East Asia.
Ever since I watched Mr. Murose's talk about Urushi** on TEDxTokyo, I have wanted to invite him to speak about it in New York. I love Urushi because of its warmth and softness. Long ago, Urushi was called "Japan," and I want people to know about this beautiful art. This is why I was so excited about the event.
Dish for Sweets with Design in Maki-e and Mother-of-pearl Inlay “Autumn Harvest” (Squirrel)
by Kazumi Murose, Living National Treasure in Maki-e*
The event was a luxurious afternoon, including a talk by the two Living National Treasures, a Kogei-Art exhibition, and a Q&A session. Mr. Murose and another Living National Treasure, Mr. Genjirō Ōkura in a small drum of Noh play, spoke about Japanese arts and crafts and the performing arts, known as Geino (芸能), along with Mr. Seiichi Kondo, the former Minister of Culture.
(Left) Kazumi Murose, Living National Treasure in Maki-e*, (Right) Genjiro Okura, Living National Treasure in small drum of Noh play
Mr. Murose discussed the history and techniques of Maki-e*, explaining that the technique has remained unchanged since its establishment in the Heian period (794 -1185). Mr. Okura explained the small drum called Kozutsumi (小鼓) and then played a 400-year-old drum adorned with beautiful Maki-e.
Genjiro Okura (Living National Treasure in small drum of Noh play) and his son perform small drums
When I think of small drums, I only think of the small drums of five musicians used in Girl's Festival dolls. This was the first time I had seen a small drum up close. I did not know that the small drum consists of a wooden body with two drum heads held together with cords and that every time a musician performs it, the small drum has to be put together with the cords.
They both said Japanese arts and crafts are deeply connected to nature and spirituality. I feel like taking a trip to ancient times on a luxury Japanese cruise ship. You can watch more about this on YouTube.
You can also view unique and authentic Japanese works exhibited on the Asuka II on the ARTerrace website.
A great thing is that this event will be held again in 2025! Please keep it in mind!!
(Left) with Kazumi Murose, Living National Treasure in Maki-e
(Right) with Genjiro Okura, Living National Treasure in a small drum of Noh play and his son