Campus International Events

Pearl Inlay Urushi Craft Workshop

Event Type

Ceremony/Service

Sponsor

Japan House

Location

2000 S Lincoln Ave Urbana, IL 61802

Date

Apr 20, 2025   1:00 - 3:15 pm  

Speaker

Ayako Hirai

Cost

$23.00 for students/Tomonokai; $25.00 for general public

Registration

Registration Required on EventBrite

Originating Calendar

Japan House Events

Japan House is pleased to host two urushi (lacquerware) workshops featuring Fukushima craftswoman Ayako Hirai as part of the Kogei: Traditional Arts and Crafts project. Guests will learn about the lacquer craft process and history, then they can practice how to polish their own black, pearl-inlay lacquer brooch to take home! This workshop features techniques using raden maki-e (pearl inlay designs). The brooch will have a black base with iridescent pearl designs.
The use of lacquer in Fukushima Prefecture dates back to the Jōmon period. Lacquer sap was collected from lacquer trees, filtered through woven cloth to remove impurities, and mixed with red or black pigments before being applied to vessels and other objects. Artifacts excavated from Jōmon period sites indicate that lacquer has been used in nearly the same manner for thousands of years. In Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture, lacquer has been utilized throughout different historical periods. By the Edo period (17th century), a system for cultivating and protecting lacquer trees was established, along with a structured guild system for artisans, leading to the development of lacquerware as an industry. Additionally, candles made from lacquer tree seeds became one of Aizu’s key products. Following the Meiji era, Aizu continued to develop as a major lacquerware production center. Even today, many artisans uphold traditional craftsmanship while also exploring new creative expressions in lacquerware.

Reservations are required, no walk-ins or observers will be allowed due to limited space inside and the hands-on nature of the workshop. Two sessions are available: 1pm and 2:15pm. Guests will be provided with vinyl gloves and lacquer craft supplies but are asked to wear dark clothing that they don't mind getting messy.

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Ayako Hirai is a lacquer craftswoman and kintsugi specialist. She was born in Fukushima, and she completed her degree in Art and Culture of Lacquer Crafting at Tohoku University of Art & Design in 2013. She worked in an antique furniture repair shop after graduation with her deep knowledge of wood. In 2016, she and her husband, Gaku Hirai, started their independent studio in Inawashiro Town. Gaku Hirai also graduated from Tohoku University of Art & Design in 2011, with a degree in Lacquer Crafting. Working together, Gaku uses traditional methods to extract and refine urushi from lacquer trees while Ayako chooses the material and design of their lacquerware. They value the harmony between wood and lacquer, using traditional techniques to create lacquerware that fits into modern life.

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Kogei (工芸) translates to traditional arts and crafts. Arts and crafts include disciplines such as ceramics, textiles, woodworking, lacquerware, papermaking, and other means of artistic expression that involve considerable understanding of traditional methods and techniques. Artisans hone their skills to create objects that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Kogei artists and their produced objects are valued for their rich history that reflect intangible cultural heritage spanning hundreds of years, as techniques and processes are passed down from generation to generation. A category of kogei is mingei, (民芸), which translates to “folk crafts,” and is formed from minshu (民衆), meaning common people, and kogei (工芸). Art critic and philosopher Soetsu Yanagi created this term and the mingei movement in the 1920/30s to distinguish the value of everyday items made for ordinary use for the common person.

The Kogei exhibition and programming are supported by the Japan Foundation New York through the U.S.-Japan Community Grassroots Exchange Program. Japan House is proud to highlight the traditional arts and crafts of Fukushima and feature the stories of Fukushima. This program is also partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Japan House is located in the Arboretum at the University of Illinois at 2000 S. Lincoln Avenue between Kirby/Florida and Windsor Road. Parking is available in the lot to the north of Japan House (F-31 at St. Mary's Road and Lincoln) and to the south of Japan House (F-32 on Lincoln across from the Vet Med complex). Spaces are marked with a placard and must be paid with Mobile Meter (https://mobilemeter.us/) or Park Mobile (https://parkmobile.io/ ) phone apps, or by calling 217-207-3033. Parking is free on the weekends and after 5pm on weekdays!

There are bike racks near both parking lots. The MTD Raven and Silver comes near Japan House on Lincoln Ave but buses also service PAR/FAR and you may walk from there to Japan House.

The front door is located on the north side of the building.

Questions about accommodations or accessibility?

Please email japanhouse@illinois.edu if you have any questions.

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

Yes, ticket transfers are possible with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice and if there is space in the new time requested. Please contact japanhouse@illinois.edu if you have any questions.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

You do not have to bring your ticket. We will just need your name to check in.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?

The purchaser of the ticket can go to "My Tickets" and change the name to whomever will be attending.

What is the refund policy?

Your registration is refundable if you contact us at japanhouse@illinois.edu at least 72 hours before the date of the event. Due to the preparation required for supplies, we unfortunately do not allow for refunds after the refund deadline. We hope that you can consider the fee as a donation to support the programming instead.

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

The urushi workshop does not require any arts and craft experience but please note that participants should be comfortable with getting a little messy. All are welcome to register but guests under 18 must be in attendance with a responsible adult guardian at all times. Accompanying adult(s) must also register with a ticket.

What is Tomonokai? How can I support Japan House?

Tomonokai are "Friends of Japan House." The Tomonokai program was established in 1998 with a goal of supporting Japan House programming and events and promoting an understanding of Japanese Arts and Culture. This tax deductible membership entitles you to special member benefits including discounts on events and merchandise, and vouchers for private tea ceremonies.

Japan House is non-profit and fully relies upon the generosity and kindness of supporters to continue to provide our campus and community vibrant programming that is immersive, engaging, and most importantly, that celebrates diversity! Consider becoming Tomonokai, or Friend of Japan House, or support by clicking here.