Dream for the 21st Century 

A shining geometric object hovers in a pitch-black space. This work expresses a “dream for the future” in which a magnificent universe created by nature coexists with the energetic endeavors of humans. Lacquer artist Akabori Ikuhiko has long been involved in preserving the techniques of Shibayama lacquerware, a local industry in Yokohama in which ivory and shells are embedded in lacquer. At the same time, he pursues new techniques, too, such as incorporating industrial materials like stainless steel and titanium into lacquer. In this work, he draws on the traditional technique of embedding thin metal sheets in the lacquer surface, but instead uses stainless steel that has been polished and dyed in different ways.
(HASEGAWA Tamao)