乾漆工房・直　Kanshitsu Kobo・Nao

English

My wish

My wish is to make Urushiware that reminds you of nature's blessings and gives you a sense of season; as well as art works that are functional, fun and aesthetically pleasing in a living space, enhancing Urushi's beauty.

My encounter with Urushi

After graduating from Musashino Art University, I went to Italy to study design.
While I had many opportunities to think about Japan's beauty, I realiesed that Japan had Urushi. On returning to Japan after a year, I knocked on Master Nagatoshi Onishi's door and was trained under him for 3 years. The very first time I saw Urushi Sap, I was moved by its beauty and mystery. Now I feel the happiness of working with this natural material.

About KANSHITSU Technique

The Kanshitsu technique uses layers of linen or Japanese paper glued together onto molds with glues called Mugiurushi and Noriurushi.Once the linen or paper has reached the ideal thickness, it is peeled from the mold and painted with lacquer.
This technique was introduced to Japan to make statues of Buddah when the trade was flourishing in the 7th Century.
"Japan" has also the meaning of "URUSHI".

Personal　History

　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　

1975.09	Born in Tokyo, Japan Lived and brought up in Rome, Italy
1999.03	Graduated from Musashino Art University, Department of Scenography, Displayand Fashion Design
2000.10	Studied Design at Scuola Politecnica di Design in Milan, Italy Worked as an apprentice in Studio Architetto Anri Azuma
2001.09	Returned to Japan Apprentice under Honorary Professor of National University of Fine Arts and Music,Nagatoshi Onishi
2004.09	Left Master Nagatoshi Ohnishi and became an independent artist
2005.02	Group exhibition at Kashi no Ki gallery
2006.02	Received the Judge's Tableware Original Design Award (Professional Class) at the 14th Talbleware Festival 2006 Competition in Tokyo
2006.10	Group exhibition at Galeria Mao gallery
2007.12	Personal exhibition at " Shunn" gallery Tokyo Hiroo
2008.04	Display and exhibition at "MA by So Shi Te"　Tokyo Minamiaoyama Shop
2008.07	Participate at　" Cafe Line Candle Night　" Chiba Kashiwa
2008.10	"Wan ;one Competion 2008"Kanazawa competion" won the Excellence Award
2008.10	"The International UrushiExhibition Ishikawa 2009"in Kanazawa,Ishikawa Winning work
2008.10	Exhibition of Collaboration accessary work created by Fashion Designer Megumi Ogihara, Naoko Kusuda at "Megumi Ogihara 2009 Spring Summer Collection" in Ebisu, Tokyo"
2008.11	Personal exhibition at " Art Line Kashiwa"
2008.12	Group exhibition at "Galeria Mao" gallery Tokyo Nerima
2009.07	Exhibition "Art of Master Nagatoshi Ohnishi and his Pupil" Theme -Succession of Lacquar Kogei Gallery, Tokyu Honten, Tokyo Shibuya
2009.12	Exhibition of "Naoko Kusuda" Theme - "The Fountainhead of Life"Tokyo Hiro

For more information please contact nkusuda@hotmail.com