The Furrowed Black Zelkova Water Jar by Jihei Murase exemplifies the artist’s expansion of traditional Japanese lacquerware into a sculptural and contemporary language. Crafted from zelkova wood and finished with layers of black lacquer, the vessel features a deeply ribbed, lobed form that emphasizes rhythm, shadow, and tactile presence.
Murase employs both ancestral techniques, such as shinogi (ridging) and hatsuri (scalloping), and modern tools, including lathes and hand-forged iron implements, to shape each work with precision and individuality. The surface reflects Murase’s deep study of historical Negoro-nuri lacquer, where aging and material transformation are integral to beauty. Conceived for the tea ceremony, the water jar embodies the dialogue of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, functioning as both utilitarian object and sculptural centerpiece.
