JCC E-Magazine December 2016

Mr Shoichi Inoue of Inoue Butsudan explaining about the history and techniques of Makie.

The Encounter of Japan’s Traditional Crafts & Design – a watch winder exhibition by Inoue Butsudan and co-organised by IPPIN was held at JCC (Japan Creative Centre) from 17 – 19 November 2016. An opening ceremony was held on 17 November 2016, where invited guests were welcomed by JCC Deputy Director Mr Kazunori Matsunaga. Guests also had the chance to learn more about the history and techniques of Makie from Mr Shoichi Inoue, as well as the unique opportunity to view a Makie demonstration by Mr Kenji Ohmachi, a master artistan who has trained in the field for over 10 years.

A series of Makie workshops and demonstrations was conducted daily throughout the exhibition by Mr Kenji Ohmachi, which is believed to be one-of-the-first-of-its-kind in Singapore. The workshops received an overwhelming response, and participants not only learnt about the scenes behind these beautiful Makie, but also had a rare hands-on experience to trace, draw and paint decorative images using Makie techniques. At the end of the workshop, participants were able to bring their beautiful artwork back home as well.

Mr Kenji Ohmachi, a master artist who has trained in the field for over 10 years, demonstrating the techniques of Makie to guests at the opening ceremony.

During the Makie workshop.

The exhibition showcased luxurious watch winders of highest quality from Japan, which featured a combination of traditional Makie crafts and design. Makie is an 8th century old Japanese lacquer art technique, which sprinkles colourful powders on wet Japanese lacquer designs, known as Urushi. Its techniques, which require aesthetic designs, as well as superior quality and stability, were originated from the crafting of armour during a period of civil unrest in ancient Japan. It was further refined and came to be used for Japanese Buddhist altars, and elite craftsmen have since taken their craft into another form of art – luxury watch winders.

Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister Naohiro Tsutsumi gracing the exhibition before the opening ceremony. (From left to right) Ms Takayo Inoue, Minister Naohiro Tsutsumi, Mr Shoichi Inoue and Mr Kenji Ohmachi with SJ50 plaque.		During the opening ceremony.
JCC Deputy Director Mr Kazunori Matsunaga welcoming guest at the opening ceremony.		Mr Kenji Ohmachi, a master artist who has trained in the field for over 10 years, demonstrating the techniques of Makie to guests at the opening ceremony.
Guests at the opening ceremony.		Guests at the opening ceremony.
Guests at the opening ceremony.		During one of the Makie workshops by Mr Kenji Ohmachi.
During one of the Makie workshops by Mr Kenji Ohmachi.		During one of the Makie workshops by Mr Kenji Ohmachi.
During the Makie workshop.		During the Makie workshop.

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2016 marks the
50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations