Exquisite Japanese lacquerware on display
Japanese lacquerware takes centre stage during the “Eastern Curiosities — Lacquer Collection” exhibition, which is running at Lotus Arts de Vivre until Aug 10.
This is a rare opportunity to witness exquisite Japanese lacquer art, which was regarded as the symbol of power and widely used to decorate homes of people of the ruling class in ancient Japan.
On show are around 65 pieces of lacquer trays, vases, bowls, chairs and cabinets — all of which date back 70 years to 250 years. The pieces are from the private collection of Rolf von Bueren, founder of Lotus Arts de Vivre, who has collected lacquer art items for more than 10 years.
Japanese lacquerware is coated with the sap of the Urushi tree for several layers, making the items long-lasting, resistant to water and heat, and also easy to clean.
There are many lacquerware techniques in Japan. Among them are “Maki-e”, which uses gold powder to create motifs; “Nashiji”, which also sprinkles gold powder on the background; “Raden”, which focuses on the use of seashells; “Kamakura-bori”, which features wood carving in red and black lacquer; and “Wajima”, which has a very complicated process involving lacquering, carving, gold and silver powder coating, and baking.
Some of the beautiful items in the collection include a lacquer tray with floating fan motifs from the Meiji period (1868-1912), a Kamakura-bori tray set, a lacquer tray with bird nest and bird motifs, a 90-year-old vase featuring beautiful crane patterns, two folding chairs in red lacquer decorated with golden peony and a dragon, and an ancient cabinet featuring cherry blossom patterns. The exhibition also features 20 pieces of newly designed jewellery that fuses traditional Japanese lacquer techniques. Items include a lacquer bangle with pink tourmaline frog, a Maki-e lacquer ring with diamond and emerald, a teakwood loop necklace with a Japanese lacquer centrepiece, and an antique Japanese fan necklace.
Lotus Arts de Vivre is on the 1st floor of Anantara Siam Hotel, Ratchadamri Road and opens daily from 10am to 8pm.
Visit lotusartsdevivre.com or call 02-250-0732.