Based in Kyoto, Kuroda Tatsuaki, one of Japan’s preeminent wood and lacquer artisans, was the first person to be designated as the holder of an important intangible cultural property (Living National Treasure) in woodworking. Kuroda was also notable for questioning the then-standard practice of labor division in lacquer-making. Developing a comprehensive approach in which he did everything from create the design, perform the groundwork, and apply the decorations, Kuroda pioneered a unique creative world based on a union of practicality, ornamentation, and material properties. In this exhibition, marking the 120th anniversary of Kuroda’s birth, we present the life of this artist who made a huge mark on the history of Japanese crafts through a collection of works spanning his career.