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Engraving ‘Life’ in Chinkin | Yuko Kasuga, Master of Gold Inlay Lacquer Art

Taking Chinkin to the World

Ms. Kasuga first entered the Japan-France Contemporary Art World Exhibition in 2018 – a step she might not have taken without encouragement from a fellow coworking space member who, after visiting her exhibition, suggested, “Why not try entering international competitions?” The positive response from overseas, where “many people were drawn to my work,” became a source of motivation for her artistic journey.

However, she doesn’t consciously incorporate Japanese elements just because she’s exhibiting internationally. “I simply entrust to chinkin what moves my heart,” she says. This fundamental approach remains unchanged.

Tradition and innovation, and above all, a sincere contemplation of what it means to be alive – Ms. Kasuga’s chinkin works exude not only technical mastery but also a gentle vitality and human warmth. Working from her unconventional studio in a coworking space, she continues to expand the possibilities of chinkin art.

Ms. Kasuga at her solo exhibition “Blossoming Spring.” (Photo: Shingo Kanazawa)

Yuko Kasuga – Chinkin Artist
Born March 1978 in Hachioji, Tokyo, where she currently resides. A graduate of the Wajima Lacquerware Technology Training Institute in Ishikawa Prefecture, where she studied under Master Fumio Mae, who is now a Living National Treasure (Bearer of Important Intangible Cultural Property). After gaining experience through demonstration sales at major department stores’ Japanese tableware sections, she now creates many commissioned works. While grounded in traditional chinkin techniques, she pursues innovative artistic activities, including applying the technique to new materials and participating in international competitions and exhibitions, where her work has received awards.

Solo Exhibitions

2008Galerie Moto Hachioji, Tokyo
2018“Meeting Spring in Full Bloom,” AZITO BAR, Tokyo
Illustration Exhibition “Ways to Spend Holidays,” CAFFEE ritmos, Tokyo
2021“Blossoming Spring,” tino/coda, Tokyo
2022“On a Clear Autumn Day ~Listen to the Sound of the Chisel~,” Tokyo Megane Hachioji Store, Tokyo
2024 “When Spring is Planted…,” tino/coda, Tokyo

Group Exhibitions

2020 “Forms of Time,” Gallery Fuyo, Tokyo

Awards and Selections

2018Selected for the 19th Japan-France Contemporary Art World Exhibition
Selected for the 51st Euro-American International Finland Art Prize Exhibition
2019Selected for the 20th Anniversary Japan-France Contemporary Art World Exhibition
2020Selected for the 21st Japan-France Contemporary Art World Exhibition
2021Recommended and Invited Artist, 53rd Euro-American International Spain Art Prize Exhibition
Selected for the 22nd Japan-France Contemporary Art World Exhibition
Selected for Salon d’Automne 2021
2022Excellence Award, Paris International Salon
Exhibited at TOKYO World Tour Exhibition
Exhibited at the 23rd Japan-France Contemporary Art World Exhibition
Recommended Artist, Salon d’Automne 2022
2023Exhibited at Paris International Salon
Excellence Award, TOKYO International Exhibition Paris
Paris International Salon Award at the 24th Japan-France Contemporary Art World Exhibition
Recommended Artist, Salon d’Automne 2023
2024Recommended Artist, 25th Japan-France Contemporary Art World Exhibition
Recommended Artist, Paris International Salon
Recommended Artist, Salon d’Automne 2024

(December 2024 Interview, Aiko Adachi)

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ライター/企業広報。1995年生まれ。国際基督教大学(ICU)卒業後、NECに入社し、政策渉外部を経て、人事部門で研修企画に携わる。2022年、品川区から東京都あきる野市の山のふもとに移住。移住を機に退職、フリーランスとして活動を開始。
現在は、大手企業のオウンドメディアやNPO広報誌の執筆、企業のSNS運用を手がける。また、西多摩地域をリブランディングした『東京山側』地域におけるライターとして、地域でソーシャルアクションを展開する人々の声を発信している。
地域課題の解決に取り組む人々や、文化芸術に携わる方々の想いを丁寧に紡ぎ出し、温かみのある文章で伝えることをモットーとしている。伝統芸能・工芸、アート、福祉、自然、多文化共生、読書などの分野に関心を持ち、取材活動を行う。

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