73rd Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition My selected piece, the Choshitsu (carved lacquer) box "Resonance of the South Seas" , is currently on display at the 73rd Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store.
Crafted in a spherical form using Kanshitsu (dry lacquer) to evoke the Earth, the top panel features about 50 layers of lacquer applied in a gradual color transition from deep blue to white. By meticulously carving into this roughly 3 mm thick lacquer layer, I sought to three-dimensionally capture soft shadows and the delicate expression of light filtering through the serene surface of a tropical sea.

I would be truly delighted if you could see the piece in person at the venue to experience the depth of the layers and the delicate expressions created through painstaking coats of lacquer carved over time.

Tokyo Exhibition (Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store)
Dates: September 2 (Wed) - September 15 (Tue), 2026
Hours: 10:00 - 19:00
Admission: Free

Gallery Presence: September 10 (Thu) 14:00 - 17:00 (Gallery Talk from around 15:00)
I look forward to welcoming you at the venue and sharing more about my work.

Watoji Contributed Article My article has been published on "Watoji," a web media dedicated to traditional Japanese crafts. In this article, I introduce the history of Choshitsu (carved lacquer) and the story behind the creation of my selected piece.
You can read the article here. The following is an English translation of the article.

The History of Choshitsu and the Vision Behind the Work / Kaori Sugano (Urushi Artist)
Choshitsu (carved lacquer) is a technique in which dozens of layers of lacquer are applied before being carved with chisels to create intricate designs. Established as a unique Japanese art form in the late Edo period by Tamakaji Zokoku of the Takamatsu Domain, the craft developed significantly around Kagawa Prefecture, with Kodo Otomaru later becoming the first National Living Treasure in Choshitsu during the Showa period.

While Chinese Choshitsu is characterized by a sense of dignified weight achieved through single-color layers - as seen in Tsuishu (red lacquer) and Tsuikoku (black lacquer) - Japanese Choshitsu has undergone its own free and vibrant evolution, incorporating multi-colored layers and combining various other techniques.

For my featured work, I crafted a spherical box reminiscent of the Earth, applying approximately 50 layered coats of lacquer to the top panel in a smooth gradient from deep blue to white.
By meticulously carving into this roughly 3 mm thick layer of lacquer, I sought to three-dimensionally capture soft shadows and the delicate expression of light filtering through the serene surface of a tropical sea.
Inheriting the refined traditions nurtured by Sanuki lacquerware, I continue to explore new possibilities of expression created through rich, harmonious colors.
73rd Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition - In-Gallery Schedule
I will be at the gallery on September 10th from 14:00 to 17:00.
If you have any questions about the colored lacquer expressions or the creation process, please feel free to speak with me.
I am a little nervous as explaining my work isn't my strongest suit, but I hope you will warmly pop by. I look forward to conversing with you through my artwork.

2026.09.06