Kazuo Yamagishi
About
Master of Chinkin: Preserving the Timeless Art of Wajima Lacquer for the Future
Born in 1954, this distinguished Japanese lacquer artist is based in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, the historic center of Wajima-nuri, Japan’s renowned lacquerware tradition.
He is a master of chinkin, an intricate decorative technique in which delicate lines are carved into lacquer and inlaid with gold powder or gold leaf.
In 2018, he was officially designated a Living National Treasure of Japan as the Preserver of the Important Intangible Cultural Property for Chinkin (gold-inlay engraving).
Recognized for both his technical excellence and artistic refinement, he has received numerous awards at major exhibitions and has contributed to the creation of sacred treasures for Ise Grand Shrine.
Today, he continues to mentor younger generations through his studio and the Wajima Lacquerware Museum, earning widespread acclaim both in Japan and internationally for his efforts to carry the spirit of traditional Japanese lacquer art into the future.
Biography
- 1954
Born in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture - 1973
Studied under Bunjiro Fukumitsu - 1976
First selected for the 23rd Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition - 1993
Contributed to the creation of sacred treasures for the Shikinen Sengu Ceremony at Ise Grand Shrine - 2012
Received the Medal with Purple Ribbon; contributed again to the creation of sacred treasures for the Ise Grand Shrine Shikinen Sengu - 2017
Created sacred pillars for the Yokohama Iseyama Kotai Jingu Shrine Hall - 2018
Designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property “Chinkin”); received the Hokkoku Cultural Award - 2020
Created the monument “Tamayura” for the Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal
Portfolio
