[japan@ihj] Japan’s Living Kogei (Craft) Traditions

  • *This lecture has finished.
  • Lecturers: Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere (Research Director, Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Culture), Murose Kazumi (Urushi artist/Living National Treasure)
  • Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2014, 7:00-8:30 pm
  • Venue: Iwasaki Koyata Memorial Hall, International House of Japan
  • Language: English (without Japanese interpretation)
  • Admission: Free (reservations required, seating: 150)
  • Supported by the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Culture

Japan has a rich and varied kogei (craft) tradition stretching back hundreds if not thousands of years. Part of the appeal and power of Japanese kogei is tied in with the process of its creation. Professor Rousmaniere and Mr. Murose will talk about Japan’s kogei (craft) potential and the creative process.

Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere

Photo: Nicole Coolidge RousmaniereNicole Coolidge Rousmaniere is the Founding Director of the Sainsbury Institute and Professor of Japanese Art and Culture at the University of East Anglia. She is currently seconded to the British Museum as IFAC Handa Curator of Japanese Art in the Department of Asia. Her current research includes completing a manuscript for the British Museum Press entitled Four Hundred Years of Japanese Porcelain based on the British Museum holdings, to be published this year.

Murose Kazumi

Photo: Murose KazumiMurose Kazumi is an urushi (lacquerware) artist. Born in Tokyo in 1950. M.A. from the Tokyo University of the Arts, specializing in urushi arts. Designated as a holder of an important intangible cultural heritage for maki-e technique and presented with the Purple Ribbon Medal in 2008. Currently vice chairperson of the Japan Art Crafts Association. Apart from his creative works, he devotes his time in Japan as well as abroad for restoration of cultural assets. He also travels abroad for exhibitions and lectures to advocate the beauty of urushi and Japan.