（展示予定作品より）楓嵌装箱一双「二都物語」

English version [to museum site]

　只今、日本橋三越で開催中の第70回日本伝統工芸展では、作品の展示のみならず、「特別展示-わざを伝える-文化財保存事業報告」と題して、昨年、甘楽町にある私の工房で行なった伝承者養成研修会の様子と成果物が陳列されています。（三越の特集ページはこちら）

　この研修会は文科省の助成事業として日本工芸会が委嘱され、工芸会所属の人間国宝が担当して行われています。私は「木工芸」の担当として、次代を担う作家6名を対象に事業を行いました。

　作品制作の両輪として、「創造的な造形力の育成」「その力を具現化する正しい技術の習得」を目標に据え指導に当たってきました。早速、研修生の中からは、今年の優秀賞受賞者（島田晶夫氏）も生まれ、成果を感じています。

　会場では助成事業の記録映像も上映していますので、作品鑑賞の傍らご視聴頂き、若い作家たちの研鑽の様子が少しでも伝わりますと幸いです。

　▶同展への出品作品「献保梨拭漆小箪笥『歌合』」についてはこちらからご覧ください。

>Japanese version

Small Chest of Drawers, ‘Uta-awase’ [Poetry Contest]:

Japanese raisin tree wood [Hovenia dulcis Thunb.] with Wiped Urushi Lacquer Finish

>English version

　今年も伝統工芸展の季節となりました。とは言っても私の中の伝統工芸展は昔のままで、9月3日の作品締め切りを経て10月に開催という感覚が抜けません。私が幼いころは夏休みのあいだ中、父が作品作りに精を出していたことをよく覚えています。長じて自分が出品するようになってもしばらくはこの日程でした。入選が決まり、初秋の涼しい空気の中で開かれる展覧会は家族一同の楽しみでした。その頃が懐かしい今日の猛暑です。

To Japanese version

Regarding this Exhibition of Traditional Wood and Bamboo Works

This exhibition presents works of kōgei (traditional crafts) that employ wood or bamboo as their main material.

Since ancient times, Japanese people have always considered the beauty of nature surrounding them as something to be admired, loved, and enjoyed. In addition, there are also works of kōgei that have been created by artists who aim to create beauty in everyday items. Tableware, vases, boxes for writing utensils, household furnishings and other items are all imbued with an elegance far surpassing mere utility, they possess a long tradition and are referred to collectively as ‘kōgei.’

The concept of ‘art’ varies somewhat between Japan and the West. In the West, the phrase ‘fine art’ is limited to painting, sculpture and other fields unrelated to everyday life that are produced purely for aesthetic and intellectual appeal. Traditionally in Japan, however, artists did not differentiate between ornamental items and those created for practical use, the latter often being works of art in their own right. Therefore, although the word ‘kōgei’ is often translated as ‘craft,’ this does not adequately express the true value of these works.

Japanese kōgei are generally categorized according to the materials they employ: ‘ceramics,’ ‘textiles,’ ‘urushi work (lacquerware),’ ‘metalwork,’ ‘woodwork and bamboo work,’ dolls,’ and ‘various works.’ The majority of artists focus on a single category as mastering even one requires a great deal of experience and research, taking many years to master all the necessary techniques.

The Japan Kōgei Association, which sponsors this exhibition, is the largest association of artists working in the kōgei field and it divides the work into the seven categories listed above.

This exhibition presents works from the ‘woodwork and bamboo work’ section. Wood and bamboo are both materials with deep roots in the Japanese environment. Stretching 3,800 kilometers from north to south and with a wide range of elevations, Japan enjoys a temperate climate with ample rainfall, giving rise to a diverse variety of vegetation, including beautiful timber and bamboo. Since earliest times, works of kōgei have been produced to highlight this beauty and these have always remained highly prized. Today, we continue to strive to carry on and refine the aesthetic values and superior techniques these represent and this exhibition aims to introduce the results of our efforts to the public.

The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, which acts as both co-sponsor and venue for this exhibition, is the only existing museum specializing in Japanese woodworking tools that are highly acclaimed around the world. The works in this exhibition are mostly made by hand using traditional methods and the tools employed can be seen on display in the museum. One of the key features of this exhibition is that visitors are able see both the tools and works that have been made with them.

Most of these works of kōgei are small enough to be appreciated in the palm of one's hand and we hope you will be able to imagine a lifestyle in which works like those on display can be enjoyed in your daily life.

SUDA Kenji

Chairman,

Wood and Bamboo Works Section

Japan Kōgei Association

To English version

　隔年で開催している「伝統工芸木竹展」の第19回展が始まりました。今年は5月13日から6月18日まで竹中大工道具館会場にて、その後は東京に場所を移して日本橋三越本店で6月21日から26日まで開かれます。

（展示予定作品より）楓嵌装箱一双「二都物語」

English version [to museum site]

　只今、日本橋三越で開催中の第70回日本伝統工芸展では、作品の展示のみならず、「特別展示-わざを伝える-文化財保存事業報告」と題して、昨年、甘楽町にある私の工房で行なった伝承者養成研修会の様子と成果物が陳列されています。（三越の特集ページはこちら）

　この研修会は文科省の助成事業として日本工芸会が委嘱され、工芸会所属の人間国宝が担当して行われています。私は「木工芸」の担当として、次代を担う作家6名を対象に事業を行いました。

　作品制作の両輪として、「創造的な造形力の育成」「その力を具現化する正しい技術の習得」を目標に据え指導に当たってきました。早速、研修生の中からは、今年の優秀賞受賞者（島田晶夫氏）も生まれ、成果を感じています。

　会場では助成事業の記録映像も上映していますので、作品鑑賞の傍らご視聴頂き、若い作家たちの研鑽の様子が少しでも伝わりますと幸いです。

　▶同展への出品作品「献保梨拭漆小箪笥『歌合』」についてはこちらからご覧ください。

>Japanese version

Small Chest of Drawers, ‘Uta-awase’ [Poetry Contest]:

Japanese raisin tree wood [Hovenia dulcis Thunb.] with Wiped Urushi Lacquer Finish

>English version

　今年も伝統工芸展の季節となりました。とは言っても私の中の伝統工芸展は昔のままで、9月3日の作品締め切りを経て10月に開催という感覚が抜けません。私が幼いころは夏休みのあいだ中、父が作品作りに精を出していたことをよく覚えています。長じて自分が出品するようになってもしばらくはこの日程でした。入選が決まり、初秋の涼しい空気の中で開かれる展覧会は家族一同の楽しみでした。その頃が懐かしい今日の猛暑です。

To Japanese version

Regarding this Exhibition of Traditional Wood and Bamboo Works

This exhibition presents works of kōgei (traditional crafts) that employ wood or bamboo as their main material.

Since ancient times, Japanese people have always considered the beauty of nature surrounding them as something to be admired, loved, and enjoyed. In addition, there are also works of kōgei that have been created by artists who aim to create beauty in everyday items. Tableware, vases, boxes for writing utensils, household furnishings and other items are all imbued with an elegance far surpassing mere utility, they possess a long tradition and are referred to collectively as ‘kōgei.’

The concept of ‘art’ varies somewhat between Japan and the West. In the West, the phrase ‘fine art’ is limited to painting, sculpture and other fields unrelated to everyday life that are produced purely for aesthetic and intellectual appeal. Traditionally in Japan, however, artists did not differentiate between ornamental items and those created for practical use, the latter often being works of art in their own right. Therefore, although the word ‘kōgei’ is often translated as ‘craft,’ this does not adequately express the true value of these works.

Japanese kōgei are generally categorized according to the materials they employ: ‘ceramics,’ ‘textiles,’ ‘urushi work (lacquerware),’ ‘metalwork,’ ‘woodwork and bamboo work,’ dolls,’ and ‘various works.’ The majority of artists focus on a single category as mastering even one requires a great deal of experience and research, taking many years to master all the necessary techniques.

The Japan Kōgei Association, which sponsors this exhibition, is the largest association of artists working in the kōgei field and it divides the work into the seven categories listed above.

This exhibition presents works from the ‘woodwork and bamboo work’ section. Wood and bamboo are both materials with deep roots in the Japanese environment. Stretching 3,800 kilometers from north to south and with a wide range of elevations, Japan enjoys a temperate climate with ample rainfall, giving rise to a diverse variety of vegetation, including beautiful timber and bamboo. Since earliest times, works of kōgei have been produced to highlight this beauty and these have always remained highly prized. Today, we continue to strive to carry on and refine the aesthetic values and superior techniques these represent and this exhibition aims to introduce the results of our efforts to the public.

The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, which acts as both co-sponsor and venue for this exhibition, is the only existing museum specializing in Japanese woodworking tools that are highly acclaimed around the world. The works in this exhibition are mostly made by hand using traditional methods and the tools employed can be seen on display in the museum. One of the key features of this exhibition is that visitors are able see both the tools and works that have been made with them.

Most of these works of kōgei are small enough to be appreciated in the palm of one's hand and we hope you will be able to imagine a lifestyle in which works like those on display can be enjoyed in your daily life.

SUDA Kenji

Chairman,

Wood and Bamboo Works Section

Japan Kōgei Association

To English version

　隔年で開催している「伝統工芸木竹展」の第19回展が始まりました。今年は5月13日から6月18日まで竹中大工道具館会場にて、その後は東京に場所を移して日本橋三越本店で6月21日から26日まで開かれます。