Yamanaka Lacquerware: Her Master Made Her Cry — Then Called Her Work 'Popular'
She left a career applying lacquer to shapes she didn't choose — to spend years learning how to create the shapes herself. This is the story of Eiko Tanaka, a Japanese woodturner (kijishi) who became an apprentice to master craftsman Torao Nakajima, was bluntly told how far she still had to go, and cried more than once as she tried to close the gap.
Yamanaka Lacquerware (山中漆器) is a 400-year-old Japanese craft from Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, known for its "tategi" vertical wood-cutting method and its focus on showcasing the natural wood grain rather than hiding it under color.
Video Summary
AI GeneratedThis video explores the artistry of Yamanaka lacquerware, a 400-year-old traditional craft from Ishikawa Prefecture. It highlights the unique techniques used to emphasize natural wood grains and follows the journey of Eiko Tanaka, a dedicated woodturner who overcame challenges and rigorous training to master the craft and establish her own independent practice.