Exhibitions
GOLD—Makie in modernizing Japan
and “Ninja and Gold Makie” by Inoue Ryo
2024.09.13(Fri) - 2024.10.28(Mon)
Overview
Makie is a millennia-old decorative lacquer art. It is realized through sprinkling of powder metals such as gold and silver onto a design which is applied using urushi (Japanese lacquer). The Meiji era (1868–1912) was a turning point for the art, when government-led initiatives such as the National Industrial Exhibitions yielded many excellent works of makie.
This exhibition presents outstanding works by the makie artists who represent this period of Japan’s modernization, including Ogawa Shōmin, Kawanobe Icchō, Shirayama Shōsai, Akatsuka Jitoku, and Uematsu Hōbi. The accompanying digital materials enhance the viewing experience by allowing the visitors to enjoy more details of the exhibits. Discover this autumn the world of magnificent beauty and ultimate intricacy of makie art at MOA Museum of Art.
Highlights
1. The Museum’s recent acquisition—rare examples of Ogawa Shōmin’s work for the first time on display
2. Extra digital features revealing the makie decorations hidden inside the artworks
3. The screening of Inoue Ryo’s animation film “Ninja and Gold Makie”
Highlights
A combination of low table and writing box with waterfront design in makie, Kawanobe Icchō, 19th century, Meiji period
This is a typical writing box arrangement, with a writing desk comprising the set. A variety of makie techniques are used to depict features such as the pine-lined beach with a hut and cherry trees in full bloom.
Icchō’s name and his title and rank as the member of the Imperial Household Artists are inscribed in makie in gold under the ink stone.
A combination of low table and writing box with waterfront design in makie (interior view of the box and cover)
Writing box with a design of tebako box in makie, Ogawa Shōmin, 19th century, Meiji period
This rectangular writing box with an overlapping cover has an intricate design, depicting a tebako box which bears motifs such as fenced chrysanthemums, small birds, and mounds.
The tebako design is realized using the makie techniques of high relief, shell inlay, and cut foil. The interior surfaces are decorated with fenced chrysanthemums and small birds in polished-out makie over the background of fine sprinkles of gold powder.
Writing box with a design of tebako box in makie (interior view of the box and cover)
Bowls with motifs in makie copied from writing box with design of fenced chrysanthemum in mother of pearl inlay and makie (national treasure, held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu), Ogawa Shōmin, 1884
Octagonal container in makie, Shirayama Shōsai, 1911
This hexagonal five-tier container bears floral arabesque in mother-of-pearl inlay on its lid.
Each tier presents different makie techniques, rendering fascinating designs and geometric patterns, with subtle differences in the materials used.
This dedicated piece demonstrates fine execution of different lacquering techniques.
Incense box with peonies and butterflies in makie, Ogawa Shōmin, 19th century, Meiji period
This exceptionally decorative box comes with a lid with ornamental fringes. It serves to contain agarwood.
The overall surface is embellished with fine gold powder while the designs of peony scroll and butterflies are formed using low-relief makie, with the details rendered by drawing, grooving, and inlays with gaps.
Box for paper and writing box with a shokkō-nishiki textile design in makie, Uematsu Hōbi, 1924
As a son of well-known artisan Uematsu Hōmin, Hōbi trained in makie lacquering techniques under his father. His mentor of designs was Kishi Kōkei.
This masterpiece is embellished with gold powder with an intricate design inspired by the textile Shu-jiang jin.
Writing box with a shokkō-nishiki textile design in makie (interior view of the box and cover)
Chest of drawers with design of dianthus in makie and mother-of-pearl inlay, MOA Museum of Art
This elegant chest of drawers has a monochrome finish on the exterior, while the inside is tastefully decorated in gold makie with designs of lattice and dianthus.
These designs are inspired by a famous poem taken from the 11th-century literature The Tales of Genji.
Part of the poem is transcribed in the silver inlay.
Chest with design of a bridge under willow tree in makie, Nishimura Hikobei VII, MOA Museum of Art
Ninja and Gold Makie, Inoue Ryo
Inoue Ryo
Inoue is a graphic artist who also writes and composes music, which he sings himself for his own animation productions. He started Bijutune! in 2013, a TV program on arts aired on the NHK Educational TV network.
His past solo exhibitions include 2018 “Becoming Japanese Art” (Tokyo National Museum).
MOA Museum of Art has been a venue for his special exhibitions in 2019, 2020, and 2022. The current exhibition includes a screening of his production Ninja and Gold Makie.