Mr. Kawase uses old loom frames and Hi to make his modern 'kokeshi'. A member of the
Shinsou arts and crafts exhibition committee, he is currently attempting 'Akaginuri', said
to have existed in Maebashi to early Taisho. One piece of Rantainuri lacquerwork, similar
to Akaginuri, is kept at Tomiyama Prefectural Takaoka Art High School Museum.
Mr. Kawase's eldest daughter Kaoru, after finishing two years at Wajima Lacquerware
Techniques Institute, began studying under Wajima lacquerware maker and Japan Traditional
Craft Committee member, Keishiroh Shiota, as part of an Agency for Cultural Affairs
internship (domestic exchange program).
She is now in her fourth year of study. Six times her entries were accepted for the
Japan Traditional Craft, Japan Traditional Lacquerware, and Ishikawa Prefectural
exhibitions. They included Chinkinjikiro (dry lacquer inlaid with gold), Kazaribako
(decorative lacquered boxes inlaid with gold), Gousu), and Moriki (lacquered stacking
boxes inlaid with gold).io. |
