Refrain thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Refrain

Plate
1999 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Imported from Song Dynasty China (960-1279), Kamakurabori is a unique and elegant form of lacquer carving that developed in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). This magnificent art form, introduced by Chinese Buddhist priests, appealed to the Kamakura Shoguns and is still produced by traditional craftsmen in Kamakura today. Items such as this box illustrate the intricacy of the technique as wood was painstakingly carved, coated in numerous layers of lacquer and then polished to create an elegant composition. Production requires precise planning to avoid any mistakes and is a craft that requires great expertise. Modern pieces such as this plate crafted by Ishira Hiroshi in 1999 maintain and innovate the traditional styles of Kamakurabori, a craft that was nearly destroyed after the Second World War. This piece modernises the technique bringing it into the 21th century due to its sleek blend of black and brown lacquer in a simplistic design together with its curved patternation.



Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Plate
  • Storage Box
  • Storage Box Lid
TitleRefrain (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Lacquered wood
Brief description
Japan, modern crafts, studio, lacquer; Kamakura-bori plate, entitled 'Refrain', carved and lacquered wood, in storage box, by Ishira Hiroshi, Japan, 1999
Physical description
Kamakura-bori plate, entitled 'Refrain', in storeage box.
Dimensions
  • Height: 5cm
  • Length: 41cm
  • Width: 31cm
Credit line
Given by Ishira Hiroshi
Summary
Imported from Song Dynasty China (960-1279), Kamakurabori is a unique and elegant form of lacquer carving that developed in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). This magnificent art form, introduced by Chinese Buddhist priests, appealed to the Kamakura Shoguns and is still produced by traditional craftsmen in Kamakura today. Items such as this box illustrate the intricacy of the technique as wood was painstakingly carved, coated in numerous layers of lacquer and then polished to create an elegant composition. Production requires precise planning to avoid any mistakes and is a craft that requires great expertise. Modern pieces such as this plate crafted by Ishira Hiroshi in 1999 maintain and innovate the traditional styles of Kamakurabori, a craft that was nearly destroyed after the Second World War. This piece modernises the technique bringing it into the 21th century due to its sleek blend of black and brown lacquer in a simplistic design together with its curved patternation.

Collection
Accession number
FE.134:1 to 3-2002

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Record createdFebruary 6, 2004
Record URL
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