Discover Wajima Lacquerware: Onishi Gallery and KOGEI USA Present Two Exclusive Exhibitions

New York City’s Onishi Gallery, renowned for its Japanese art collection, is partnering with KOGEI USA—an organization dedicated to promoting traditional Japanese crafts—to present two significant new exhibitions. These exhibitions aim to support recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula earlier this year.

Titled “The Spirit of Noto: Urushi Artists of Wajima” and “Waves of Resilience,” these exhibitions will be on view from October 3 to October 25, 2024. They spotlight the renowned tradition of lacquerware from Wajima, a town severely impacted by the recent earthquake. The quake destroyed more than half of Wajima’s lacquer studios and displaced many skilled artisans. The exhibition organizers have committed to donating 10% of sales revenue to recovery efforts, focusing on rebuilding Wajima’s lacquer industry and supporting artisans in resuming their craft.

“When I saw the devastation caused by the earthquake, I knew I had to help,” commented Mimi Yamazaki, chair of the KOGEI USA committee. Curated by Onishi Gallery owner Nana Onishi, “The Spirit of Noto: Urushi Artists of Wajima” highlights the exceptional work of three Living National Treasures and twelve other master artisans. These artists are celebrated for their expertise with urushi, the sap from the Japanese lacquer tree, a material central to Japanese art and craft for centuries.

The “Waves of Resilience” exhibition features luxury tableware inspired by the coastal landscapes of Noto. Conceptualized by New York-based interior designer Melissa Bowers in collaboration with the Wajima lacquerware company Senshudo, this collection reflects the resilient spirit of Wajima craftspeople who remain dedicated to their craft despite the challenges they face.

“I’m thrilled to collaborate with Nana Onishi, whose gallery represents many prominent figures in Japanese craft, including Living National Treasures and leading lacquer artists,” said Yamazaki. “Under the banner ‘Securing Heritage, Nurturing Traditions, and Building Futures,’ KOGEI USA highlights Living National Treasures and creates new opportunities for artists in international markets.”