The Lacquer Skin

A solo exhibition by lacquer artist Toshihiko Iwata born and based in Kamakura Japan will be held at amanai from July 19th to 27th, 2025.

Iwata has been working with lacquer for many years, continuing his creative endeavors. In addition to traditional techniques such as genuine lacquer and mother-of-pearl, in recent years he has been exploring his own unique hand techniques. This exhibition focuses on the "tools" in his work. The textures, described as "rust skin" and "stone grain," are indistinguishable from ceramics. Its appearance combines strength and shadow to fill the space.

As we talked with Iwata, we began to feel that lacquer is an "expression of skin." The chinese character for hada(skin) is an abbreviated form of the character for "a jar to put the body in." The body and objects are often likened to each other, so we titled "The Lacquer Skin" to refer to his expression itself, which explores the relationship between lacquer and objects.

Please enjoy the profound expression of lacquerware created by Mr. Iwata. We look forward to seeing you there.

We will post his works on Instagram. We will also handle mail orders individually, so if you see a work that interests you, please contact us.

Toshihiko IWATA
Born in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture in 1970
1999 Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Crafts and Lacquerware
Instagram

"The Lacquer Skin"
Toshihiko Iwata Exhibition

July 19th (Sat) __27th (Sun), 2025

amanai
3-1-2 Yuigahama, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
12:00-17:00 Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays