Special/Planned Exhibits
"Temple lacquer art"
Period: September 23, 2006 (Saturday) - December 10 (Sunday)
Period: September 23, 2006 (Saturday) - December 10 (Sunday)
Urushi is a natural material made from the sap of the Urushi tree. It has been used as a paint and adhesive in Japan since the ancient Jomon period. The coating has excellent durability and chemical resistance (resistant to acids and alkalis), and has a beautiful texture and unique feel.
The basic lacquering methods used in the Nara period are not very different from those used today, and it is believed that the technique of lacquering was already established at that time. During the Heian period, decorative techniques such as makie, chinkin, and raden were also established, and a wide variety of designs were created.
In temples, mother-of-pearl decorations were used and highly valued for the decoration of Buddhist altars and sutra boxes. Lacquerware also began to be used for everyday items used in temples, and much of the lacquerware used at Mount Koya was painted with vermilion, which later came to be called Negoro-nuri.
This special exhibition will display lacquer art owned by the temple, including decorative lacquer work, Negoro lacquerware, and Ryukyu lacquerware.
The basic lacquering methods used in the Nara period are not very different from those used today, and it is believed that the technique of lacquering was already established at that time. During the Heian period, decorative techniques such as makie, chinkin, and raden were also established, and a wide variety of designs were created.
In temples, mother-of-pearl decorations were used and highly valued for the decoration of Buddhist altars and sutra boxes. Lacquerware also began to be used for everyday items used in temples, and much of the lacquerware used at Mount Koya was painted with vermilion, which later came to be called Negoro-nuri.
This special exhibition will display lacquer art owned by the temple, including decorative lacquer work, Negoro lacquerware, and Ryukyu lacquerware.