A collection of bowls decorated in the typical black and gold coloring of urushi. Kazuhiko O'hori Murose's lacquerware items can take ten months to a year to complete -- or even two years for a larger piece. Courtesy Kazuhiko O'hori Kazumi Murose is one of the best-known practitioners of urushi, or Japanese lacquerware. Photo by Jonathan Ley, courtesy of Portland Japanese Garden An ornately decorated box, as seen at a 2014 exhibition of Murose's work at the Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon. Photo by Jonathan Ley, courtesy of Portland Japanese Garden The Portland exhibition, entitled "Urushi: Masterpieces of Lacquerware by Kazumi Murose," was Murose's first exhibition in the US. Photo by Jonathan Ley, courtesy of Portland Japanese Garden Murose usually produces technically functional items like boxes, bowls and tables. Jonathan Ley A harp decorated using a lacquerware technique called maki-e, which literally translates as "sprinkled picture." Photo by Jonathan Ley, courtesy of Portland Japanese Garden In 2008, Murose was named a "Living National Treasure," an accolade recognizing individuals who help preserve Japan's oldest traditions. Murose specializes in a technique called raden, which involves the use of seashells, mother of pearl and other iridescent materials found in nature. Kazuhiko O'hori Murose's designs often look to nature for inspiration. Kazuhiko O'hori Some of his designs are more abstract than others. Courtesy Kazuhiko O'hori Prev Next
