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Exhibition

Kuroda Tatsuaki: A Journey Through Wood, Lacquer, and Mother-of-Pearl
Held in Commemoration of the 120th Anniversary of the Living National Treasure’s Birth

2024.12.17 tue. - 03.02 sun.

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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.

List of Works Kuroda Tatsuaki: A Journey Through Wood, Lacquer, and Mother-of-Pearl (PDF 237KB)

Exhibition dates 2024.12.17 tue. - 2025.03.02 sun.
*Some works will be replaced with others while the exhibition is in session.

Hours 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
*Fridays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
*Admission until 30 min. before closing

Closed Mondays (*Exception: January 13, February 24, 2025),
January 14, February 25, 2025
New Year’s holidays（December 29-January 3）
Admission Adults: 1,200 yen (1,000 yen)
University students: 500 yen (400 yen)
* Figures in parentheses are advance tickets, groups of 20 or more, and nighttime discounts after 6 p.m. on Fridays.
* High school students and younger are free (with valid ID).
* Visitors with disability and one person accompanying them are admitted free of charge. (Please present certificate at the admission.)
* Collection gallery exhibition is available with this ticket.


  • KURODA Tatsuaki, Stationery Box with Deer and Floral Motifs, Vermillion Lacquered and Maki-e Powder, 1925, The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

  • KURODA Tatsuaki, Vermilion Lacquered Round Table with Treasure Knot Design,
    1936, The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

  • KURODA Tatsuaki, Three Mirror Cabinet, Vermillion Lacquered, 1928, The Japan Folk Crafts

  • KURODA Tatsuaki, Small Cabinet, Covered by Raden Inlay, 1941, Private Collection

  • KURODA Tatsuaki, Casket with Butterfly Motifs, Color Lacquered, 1948, Toyota Municipal Museum of Art

  • KURODA Tatsuaki, Lidded Container with Spiral Design, Red Lacquered, 1949, Toyota Municipal Museum of Art

  • KURODA Tatsuaki, Table Set, Clear Lacquer on Japanese Oak Wood, 1964, Toyota Municipal Museum of Art

  • KURODA Tatsuaki, Cabinet, Clear Lacquer on Zelkova Wood, 1966,
    The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

  • KURODA Tatsuaki, Small Chair, Translucent Coating over Vermillion Lacquer on Chestnut Wood, 1968, Hida Sangyo Co., Ltd.

  • KURODA Tatsuaki, Casket, Mexican Abalone Raden Inlay, Kanshitsu, 1969, Private Collection

Publicity materials flyer（PDF 1.5MB）

Exhibition Catalogue 3,000yen (incl.tax)

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