Paper short abstract:

As a well-established maki-e lacquer artist, I highlight that the key for the survival of this Japanese tradition lies in the modernisation of apprenticeship, focusing on the education of young generations and the promotion of maki-e intangible cultural heritage at local, national and global level.

Paper long abstract:

As a well-established Japanese artist practising the traditional maki-e lacquer technique, for the last 50 years I have been involved in the conservation and preservation of national cultural properties and treasures in Japan.

During my career, I have witnessed problematic changes threatening authentic lacquer techniques: the emergence of cheap plastic imitations that has marginalised the consumption of traditional lacquer products; a shortage of young lacquer artists and craftsmen. I therefore intend to use my experience to highlight that to reappraise and modernise apprenticeship is the key to the transmission of knowledge and skills required for the preservation of maki-e, an intangible cultural heritage fighting for survival.

In my days as a young artist, my apprenticeship followed the centuries-old system of training, learning from and living with three holders of the title Ningen Kokukō (Living National Treasure). However, due to the change of circumstances, I suggest the need of new apprenticeship schemes tailored as university degrees or diploma courses, to attract young people.

While appreciation of traditional arts and crafts should be nurtured in schools across the country, at grassroots level, local governments should promote the formation of lacquer craftsmen at community colleges.

I also propose that to guarantee the survival of this technique, an effort to recruit lacquer and maki-e artists at a global level should be considered.

In a personal attempt to boost international awareness and involvement, an exhibition of my work A Secret Beauty: The Spirit of Japanese Maki-e is planned in 2019 at the Brunei Gallery, SOAS.