The art piece exhibited at the 2016 International Art Festival of Northern Ibaraki. "japan" in English can mean lacquer and lacquer was originated in the Jomon period (circa 13,000 to 400 BC) and it has played roles as paints and glue in Japanese craft cultures since then. However, now over 97% of lacquer is imported from China and Vietnam after the start of import during Edo period(1603-) , and Japanese lacquer has become very rare and more and more precious along with urethane coating technology development in the last century.
Many of mass pricing products with a sticker "lacquer" recently sold in Japan are made from urethane and they have commonly used in daily meals.
This artwork is shaped like a Moebius and composed of three parts with identical shapes, three different lacquer and lacquer-like urethane coating are put for comparison - Made in Japan Okuji lacquer, Chinese lacquer, and urethane coating. How many people can tell the difference at a glance? Is it worth pointing out differences first of all? What is the real value of [japan]?
This art was not for finding right answer nor denying traditional lacquers at all but simply providing an opportunity to debate regarding the value of [japan].
[Material]
Japanese Urushi , Chinese Urushi , Urethane
[Size]
W685mm D650mm H410mm
[Partners]
Urushi:Masatsugu Ishikura