Deja Vu

Déjà vu

SASAKI Gakuto

2016

W245×D180×H100mm

Materials: (Urushi) - Lacquer, (Aburazashi) - Hemp cloth, (Washi) - Japanese paper, (Gin) - Silver, (Kai) - Shell, (Ganryo) - Pigment/(Kanshitsu) - Dried lacquer, (Kawarinuri) - Changing color lacquer technique, (Raden) - Mother-of-pearl inlay, (Makie) - Sprinkled picture (a technique of Japanese lacquerware)

At first glance, it may appear to be a leather product with a zipper, but it is, in fact, a box created entirely using traditional lacquerware techniques. The texture resembling leather is achieved through the changing color lacquer technique, and the zipper is reproduced using the sprinkled picture (Makie) technique. The theme of the artwork is the visualization of déjà vu. While the exact scientific explanation for déjà vu remains unclear, there is a theory suggesting that it is influenced by one's ancestral memories. The pattern on the top of the box features the motif of a Chinese lantern plant, known as "hoozuki" in Japanese. In Japan, the hoozuki is said to serve as a guide for one's ancestors to find their way back home.

Coating layers of lacquer creates a resilient and beautiful surface, yet at times, it makes it hard to see what's inside. This kind of dilemma is a unique charm of lacquer art, but I think it's similar to various things thst happen around us. Take money, for instance—it's a handy way to put a value on things in numbers, but getting too fixated on those numbers might make us lose sight of their true worth.

I think it's essentialin today's society to not just focus on the surface of things but also to pay attention to those "invisible aspects". At the same time, seeking honesty in the unseen isn't just a trait of lacquer art; it's a vital spirit that has upheld Japan's culture.

Japanese craftsmanship has been honed over a long history.

What makes it unquie and attarctive is the amount of dedication and attention Japanese craftmen put into hidden details.

As a craft creator in Japan, I'll keep working hard to understand and share the real charm of Japanese culture.

——SASAKI Gakuto

Lacquerware Artist / SASAKI Gakuto

Lacquer Glass Painter

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