The Maki-e Lacquer from Kodai-ji Temple in Kyoto has been regarded as one of the most superior parts of Japan’s cultural heritage, certainly the best of its kind. Dating back 400 years, the Kodai-ji Maki-e lacquer caught the gaze of many a missionary who visited Japan in the 16th century, for both its intricate design as well as its marvellous technique, and helped lacquerware to become synonymous with Japan. Over the past years, an extensive research project on the Kodai-ji Maki-e lacquer has been conducted by NPO for Preservation of Kodaiji-Makie Heritage, and as result of this, the design and techniques used 400 years ago have been revived on a new screen, in the 21st century.

In celebration of the display of a new lacquer screen, made with revived design and techniques used 400 years ago, at the Victoria and Albert Museum for the first time in the UK, Prof. Yutaro Shimode who led the project, a professional lacquer master himself, will talk about the process of reviving the first class Kodai-ji Maki-e lacquer and how vital it is to preserve the knowledge and techniques of the past by mapping Japanese lacquer in an historical context.

Booking:
This event is free to attend but booking is essential. To reserve a place, please email your name and the title of the event you would like to attend to event@jpf.org.uk.