Kogei Artist Vol.5

Lacquer Artist

Koken Murata

My artwork starts from the feelings I get when I experience nature.

I experienced Zen meditation in my search for spirituality, and one time I felt a brilliant light flowing down on me as if it had been released from the body of Buddha.

As the light overcame me and I sought that light, I saw my own trivial existence in nature. That is what inspired me to create artwork that represents light and water flowing down from heaven and the cycle of life that unfolds there.

Koken Murata
Koken Murata
Koken Murata

Lacquer can be used in both 2D and 3D artwork.

The blackness that is characteristic of lacquer brings out the best of materials such as shells and metals as they work to complement each other.

I continue to be drawn to the deep appeal of lacquerware as I continue to create my artwork today.

Koken Murata
Koken Murata

The techniques and thinking that have been passed down from person to person from ancient times have been inherited by modern Kogei artists, but it is important to always strive to exceed the impact elicited by past work.

I want to push the limits in my search for ultimate quality so that I can realize artwork that I have yet to envision.

Koken Murata

Lacquer Artist

Koken Murata

Koken Murata's main themes are light and water. He freely uses gold and silver leaf in creative ways to produce artwork that is both gorgeous and modern. His work has been highly praised in Japan and around the world in countries like the USA, English, Norway, France, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.

Koken Murata
1956
Born in Kyoto
1976
Accepted into Nitten Exhibition (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) for the first time; in following years: 2 Special Mentions, 2 Invitations, 2 times as Juror, and 2 Member's Award
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