Tasuku Murose: Working with Urushi

2017/07/01

I work with urushi (Japanese lacquer). When I say this, people often respond, "Oh, so you're a craftsman." While that is certainly one aspect of it, it is quite difficult to sum up my work with just the word "craftsman."

For example, as I write this, I am on a plane to Barcelona for a lecture and workshop. In terms of what might be called traditional craftsmanship, my work involves creating pieces at a studio called the Mejiro Institute of Urushi Cultural Properties. However, I don't just focus on creation; my days also involve restoring cultural properties, working with museums, teaching at urushi schools and universities, and sometimes spending the whole day at a computer doing administrative work.

Outside of working hours, I create my own pieces as an individual artist, and if anything, this is the work I would like to make my primary career. Because I am busy with such a variety of tasks every day, I feel a bit of a disconnect when people call me a "craftsman," but since it is difficult to explain, I currently just give a vague answer like, "Something like that."

What I am thinking about now is whether I can increase the number of fellow urushi artists who are Keio graduates. When people hear "urushi artist," they might imagine someone who is good with their hands but works somewhat outside of the economy or society. While manual dexterity is certainly necessary, I feel that today's urushi world also requires people with excellent economic sense, social skills, and an international perspective. I believe our alma mater has many such talented individuals.

Another ability required of an urushi artist is creativity. Urushi has a strong image of being something old, but that is only one side of it; in reality, the ability to figure out how to apply inherited traditions to the modern world is very important. Among my fellow alumni from my faculty, there are many people creating brilliant new technologies and services with their wonderful creativity. Just as in many other industries, I believe these kinds of people are needed in the world of urushi.

I believe the world of urushi would become much more interesting if there were more such colleagues. It is true that the barrier to entry is high, but I will try to pry that door open from the inside. So, to students preparing for job hunts or professionals considering a career change, please do include "urushi" on your list of considerations.

If a few people gather, I might even try to start an "Urushi Mita-kai."