Tomoko Eri

Kirikane Artist
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About

The Timeless Brilliance of Kirikane — Weaving the Spirit of Tradition into the Future

Kirikane is a traditional decorative technique in which sheets of gold or platinum leaf are delicately cut into fine strips using a bamboo knife, then carefully applied with a brush to form intricate patterns. In Japan, this art developed as an adornment method for Buddhist statues and paintings, refined over centuries into a sacred craft. While I have been engaged in the ornamentation of Buddhist statues, I also incorporate this technique into my own craft works, treasuring the spirit passed down by the masters before me as I explore new expressions of Kirikane for our time. I hope you can feel the quiet presence of Kirikane in your everyday life — and experience its brilliance that changes with the flow of the day and the angle of light.

Biography

  • 2024
    Japan Kōgei Association Encouragement Award, 71st Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition
    Mayor of Fukuoka Award, 58th Western Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition
  • 2023
    KKB Kagoshima Broadcasting Award, 57th Western Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition
  • 2022
    Head of Western Branch Award, 56th Western Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition
  • 2021
    Head of Western Branch Award, 55th Western Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition
  • 2019
    Japan Kōgei Association Award, 27th Traditional Art Crafts Various Techniques Exhibition
    Asahi Shimbun Grand Prize, 54th Western Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition
  • 2013
    Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting Award, 48th Western Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition
  • 2011
    Newcomer’s Award, Japan Kōgei Association, 58th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition
  • 1994
    Studied under her mother, Sayoko Eri, Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property “Kirikane”).
    Completed the Japanese Painting Course, Advanced Program, Kyoto University of the Arts Junior College.

  • 1972
    Born in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

 

Portfolio

Framed Kirikane “Path of Stars” 截金額装　星の径

截金額装　星の径

Box with Kirikane Decoration “Playing with Flowers” 截金絲綢飾筥 花游

截金絲綢飾筥 花游

Kirikane Cut Foil Embellishing 截金絲綢額装 游華 壱

截金絲綢額装 游華 壱