Modern craftsmen draw on traditional Japanese techniques in new exhibition

Visitors look at exhibits in "Kogei 2020 -- The Art of Crafting Beauty from Nature" at the Tokyo National Museum in Taito Ward, Tokyo, on Monday. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

A special exhibition featuring 82 works by contemporary craftsmen opened at the Tokyo National Museum in Taito Ward, Tokyo, on Monday.

The exhibition is titled "Kogei 2020 -- The Art of Crafting Beauty from Nature." It is divided into four sections, and showcases works that draw on traditional techniques and the beauty of nature.

Among the art on display are "Faceted jar in white porcelain" by Akihiro Maeta, a ceramic artist and designated living national treasure, and "Sora no hibiki (Sound)" by metalsmith Fuminori Haruyama. The materials used included lacquer, glass and dyed fabric.

"Hexagonal covered box with oak leaf design in maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay" by Kazumi Murose (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

"Kogei 2020" is part of the Japan Cultural Expo promoted by the government, as well as the Tsumugu Project backed by the Cultural Affairs Agency, the Imperial Household Agency and The Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings in a public-private partnership.

Reservations are required for a specific date and time to ease congestion.

For more information, see https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/kogei2020/

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