by MATSUZAKI Tohru (b. 1944)
Heisei period, 2011
Black and silver lacquer
17.3 (dia) x 15.5 (h) cm 15.5 (dia) x 8.8 cm Signed & sealed storage box
Matsuzaki-san's work draws out a timeless strength that is central to the origins of lacquer as a protective coating to everyday items. Here working with zelkova wood hewn from trees planted before the Edo period, and using only Japanese lacquer, he reinterprets essential components of the Tea Ceremony.
Each piece is chiselled from a single block of timber. The work already shows a sophisticated, raw quality even before he then works with repeated layers of lacquer to build up the powerful protective and decorative finished coatings. Much is traditional – the use of red lacquer coats under black, to achieve a rich depth of colour and, over time and use, possibly reveal the red layers beneath.
Much is contemporary – the bold, sculptured form and powerful strokes of silver lacquer. It plays with the viewer's preconceptions of lacquer ware. The overall result is timeless.
Already incorporating a natural core dating back to the 16th century, it is Matsuzaki-san's hope that his work will last another 1000 years. He has been quoted as saying Mankind has known the value of wood and lacquer for over ten thousand years. I felt that I wanted to use these materials to make something in this tradition that could be used, but which would also be appreciated universally for its beauty.