{"title":"Inoue Emiko 井上 絵美子","description":"\u003cp\u003eInoue Emiko is a contemporary Japanese lacquer artist whose sculptural works explore the vitality, movement, and transformative energy of the natural world. Born in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, in 1970, she completed her graduate studies in lacquer art at Kyoto City University of Arts in 1995. Her early achievements included the Kayō Prize at the university's graduation exhibition in 1995, followed by an invitation to exhibit at Laques au Présent in Paris in 1997. She subsequently undertook further specialized training in traditional lacquer techniques through Kyoto City's Traditional Industries Technical Training Program, completing its lacquer courses in 2005 and 2006.\u003cbr\u003eOver the following decades, Inoue developed a distinctive approach to contemporary lacquer sculpture, combining the technical refinement of traditional Japanese urushi with an expressive sensitivity to natural forms and movement. Her works have been exhibited extensively in Japan and internationally, including exhibitions in Paris, Beijing, and Boston. \u003cbr\u003eBeyond her own artistic practice, Inoue is actively involved in international initiatives dedicated to preserving, promoting, and perpetuating the lacquer traditions of East and Southeast Asia. Working alongside fellow artists and specialists, she has participated in cultural exchanges and collaborative projects in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, supporting the transmission of traditional knowledge while encouraging its continued development and contemporary expression. These activities reflect her belief in lacquer not simply as an artistic medium, but as a living cultural tradition shared across national boundaries.\u003cbr\u003eHer artistic achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Kusube Prize at the Kyōten Exhibition in 2012, the Association Prize of the Kyoto Arts and Crafts Artists Association in 2013, and multiple honors at the Nikkōkai Arts and Crafts Exhibition, culminating in the Prime Minister's Award in 2024. She has also received the prestigious Tokusen (Special Selection) Award at the Nitten Exhibition in 2021 and 2024.\u003cbr\u003eInoue continues to explore the sculptural possibilities of lacquer, creating works that unite the traditions of Japanese craftsmanship with a deeply personal vision of the vitality and movement of the natural world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"exhibited-red-lacquer-sculpture-ー井上-絵美子-游舞","title":"Exhibited Red Lacquer sculpture ー井上 絵美子 “游舞”","description":"\u003cp\u003eA vivacious red sculpture by Kyoto‑based female lacquer artist Inoue Emiko created using the dry‑lacquer technique. Made from layers of hemp cloth covered in lacquer, the work captures the moment a red goldfish dives through the water and swiftly turns its body just before touching the bottom. Inoue spent her childhood in a rural environment surrounded by her grandfather’s farmland and abundant nature. The memories of growing up among living creatures form the core of her artistic imagination today. Titled “Yūbu” (“Graceful Swim”), the piece was created in 2021. It is 24.5 x 25.5 x 24 cm (9 5\/8 x 10 x 9 7\/16 inches) and was received directly from the artist, in excellent condition. It is published in the book Kyoto Kogei (2021) page 137.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn in Osaka in 1970, Inoue completed her graduate studies in lacquer art at Kyoto City University of Arts in 1995. Just two years later, she was invited to exhibit at LAQUES AU PRESENT in Paris, marking the beginning of her career. She has since participated in numerous exhibitions, including the 2000 Exhibition of Selected New Artists and the Kyoto Prefectural Exhibition of Selected Art and Crafts. In 2013, she made her debut at the newly reorganized Nitten (The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) and was selected on her first submission. In 2021, she received the Special Award at the 8th Nitten, further establishing her reputation as an internationally recognized lacquer artist. Her works are installed in renowned hotels such as Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, Exiv Toba Bekkan, and Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Inoue Emiko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50788094673143,"sku":"AZ6","price":5000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2025-08-1706.15.55.jpg?v=1779072563"},{"product_id":"dance-of-the-goldfish-by-lacquer-artist-ー井上-絵美子-華游","title":"Dance of the Goldfish by Lacquer artist ー井上 絵美子 “華游”","description":"\u003cp\u003eHanayū, an evocative sculptural work by Kyoto-based lacquer artist Inoue Emiko, stands as a signature work within her celebrated series inspired by goldfish. The work captures the precise moment when a goldfish darts toward the bottom of its tank and, just before reaching it, turns its body in a swift, fluid motion upward. The rounded form conveys a sense of intention and vitality, while the tail traces the arc of that movement—unfurling like delicate petals and describing an elegant, sweeping curve. Inoue translates not only the creature’s physical gesture but also the subtle currents it stirs, inviting viewers to follow the goldfish’s path with their eyes. It is 29.5 x 31 x 34 cm (11 5\/8 × 12 3\/16 × 13 3\/8 inches) and is in excellent condition. Executed using the dry lacquer technique it was created in 2023, acquired directly from the artist.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn in Osaka in 1970, Inoue completed her graduate studies in lacquer art at Kyoto City University of Arts in 1995. Just two years later, she was invited to exhibit at LAQUES AU PRESENT in Paris, marking the beginning of her career. She has since participated in numerous exhibitions, including the 2000 Exhibition of Selected New Artists and the Kyoto Prefectural Exhibition of Selected Art and Crafts. In 2013, she made her debut at the newly reorganized Nitten (The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) and was selected on her first submission. In 2021, she received the Special Award at the 8th Nitten, further establishing her reputation as an internationally recognized lacquer artist. Her works are featured in renowned hotels such as Hotel The Mitsui, Kyoto, Exiv Toba Bekkan, and Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Inoue Emiko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50788100243703,"sku":"AZ7","price":3950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2025-08-1706.29.01.jpg?v=1779072886"},{"product_id":"emergence-lacquer-sculpture-ー井上-絵美子-芽ぐむ","title":"Emergence, Lacquer Sculpture ー井上 絵美子 “芽ぐむ\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA budding sprout by female lacquer artist Inoue Emiko cenered on the theme of a budding sprout. Executed using the dry‑lacquer technique in combination with the flowing “ryūmon‑nuri” style, the piece is distinguished by its vivid yellow tones. Inoue’s practice is deeply influenced by the natural landscapes of her childhood, and this sculpture captures the very moment a seed breaks open to release new life. The emerging sprout twists its body in a rhythmic, almost dance‑like motion as it reaches upward toward the sky. The artist entrusts the work with the vitality and exuberance of that instant. “I will continue to capture the fleeting brilliance of life and translate that emotion into my work,” she says. Titled “Megumu”, it is 20.5 x 29 x 35.5 cm (Approx. 8 1\/16 × 11 7\/16 × 14 inches) and was created in 2023, acquired directly from the artist.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn in Osaka in 1970, Inoue completed her graduate studies in lacquer art at Kyoto City University of Arts in 1995. Just two years later, she was invited to exhibit at LAQUES AU PRESENT in Paris, marking the beginning of her career. She has since participated in numerous exhibitions, including the 2000 Exhibition of Selected New Artists and the Kyoto Prefectural Exhibition of Selected Art and Crafts. In 2013, she made her debut at the newly reorganized Nitten (The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) and was selected on her first submission. In 2021, she received the Special Award at the 8th Nitten, further establishing her reputation as an internationally recognized lacquer artist. Her works are featured in renowned hotels such as Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, Exiv Toba Bekkan, and Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Inoue Emiko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50788108599543,"sku":"AZ8","price":3950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/files\/2025-08-1706.23.35.jpg?v=1779073205"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/7472\/3063\/collections\/Inoue_Emiko_jpeg.jpg?v=1794720466","url":"https:\/\/kuramonzen.com\/collections\/inoue-emiko-%e4%ba%95%e4%b8%8a-%e7%b5%b5%e7%be%8e%e5%ad%90.oembed","provider":"Kura Monzen Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}