Jun Higami _ Lacquer skin exhibition

A certain day in September

The heat from the typhoon has passed, and it's a clear, slightly early autumn Sunday.

I recently visited the studio of Jun Higami, a lacquerware artist with whom I have had a long-standing friendship.

A quiet atelier nestled in a residential area.

I was surprised to see that the interior was like an old Japanese house, which was hard to imagine from the exterior.

While enjoying coffee in a lacquered leather vessel that is on display as an artwork,

We talked about various topics, including the origins of the work and plans for the solo exhibition.

He began making leather-based works in his teens.

While experimenting with various leather processing methods,

"Urushi skin" made with lacquer  / We present works that incorporate the traditional technique of "shippi" into leather with our own unique interpretation.

Although it is made of leather, this vase can also be used for water items.

At first glance, the vessels look like pottery.

This is also all leather.

No time or effort was spared, and the lacquer was applied in layers, giving it a thickness.

It will develop a unique luster and texture.

We also wholesale tableware to restaurants selling soups, meat dishes, sushi, etc.

The texture of the leather and lacquer stands out more clearly on the wall panels and prop boxes, and when you look closely you can't help but want to touch them.

We also had the opportunity to observe various processes being carried out on the second floor of the atelier.

Although many people have knowledge of leather, lacquer itself is not something they are actually familiar with.

Like the shoes, the prototype was made in a hanging style.

The lacquer is applied by hand, placed in a chamber to dry, and then carved.

(There are many more processes involved in creating thickness and texture.)

This time-consuming and laborious process is repeated layer after layer to reach the finished product.

Those who handle the same leather,

Although the works are different, I believe this exhibition will have a very strong affinity.

Lacquered leather changes color in layers over time as people handle it.

Just like leather shoes, these pieces can be cherished as they change day by day.

Please come and see it for yourself and experience not only its appearance but also its feel, texture, weight, and presence.

Mr. Hikami will be present on both days, so we're sure to hear some interesting stories.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

[ Jun Higami _ Lacquer skin exhibition ]
Date and time: 10/22 (Sat), 10/23 (Sun) 13:00-19:00
Location: Asakusa THE BOOTS SHOP
Contents: A work created by Mr. Hinoue for this solo exhibition
We will be exhibiting and selling many one-of-a-kind lacquered leather works .
Mr. Higami will also be present,
Please take your time to look around while listening to the story.
*We will be open for regular business hours during the exhibition.

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Jun Hinoue
Born in Osaka Prefecture.
Graduated from Kanazawa College of Art in 2009. Started working with leather while still a student.
After that, he worked in a workshop in Tokyo, manufacturing custom-made leather products.
At the same time, he experimented with various leather processing techniques and began creating works using lacquer.
Since 2020, he has been presenting his unique interpretation of lacquered leather, including vessels, plates, vases, prop holders, and panels.
He currently holds solo exhibitions around the country and provides his works to restaurants.

https://instagram.com/j_hinoue?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

P.S.

We were also shown the actual lacquer tree.

This can also be seen on the day.

Apparently you can't even touch it anymore, so go ahead and touch it.

THE BOOTS SHOP