We invited Professor Kanae Agoko from Aizu Junior College to lead a hands-on workshop on decorative lacquer techniques during our art class. Lacquerware is a craft in which layers of lacquer are applied to materials such as wood or paper. Aizu lacquerware, also known as Aizu-nuri, is one of the traditional crafts passed down in the Aizu region.
In this workshop, the students applied lacquer to pieces of wood to create their own original works. Lacquerware can be decorated using techniques such as raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) and maki-e (gold or silver powder painting). Although the work required careful attention to detail, the students enthusiastically designed their pieces with their favorite characters and personal inscriptions.
~Impressions~
- “I was able to make three pieces! I gave one to my mom and the second to my older sister. They were both really happy.”
- “On one piece, I added the words “I like you today.” Placing and tracing the letters was difficult, but it was really fun.”
- “I made a raden design. When I watched the demonstration, it looked easy, but it turned out to be harder than I expected. Still, it became very beautiful and cute, so I’m glad. I want to do it again.”
- “The colors were so beautiful that I made two pieces. It was a lot of fun.”
- “I was happy because I could make it with my favorite character.”
