We present ‘The World of Yuji Okada’, a capsule collection by Yuji Okada (1948–2022), a Kyoto-based lacquer master. The gallery first encountered Okada through a request for kintsugi repair, but soon discovered a broader practice of boxes, bowls, and vases that revealed his mastery. His work is collected by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and he collaborated with Chanel in 2013. Despite the language barrier, the connection was formed through a shared love of antiquities and imperfection. Over time, the gallery shared small agate and jade pebbles from its collection, trusting that Okada's lacquer work would transform them. The resulting pieces reflect his quiet creativity and skill.
1–14 March 2023
A mottled russet and golden agate pebble of circular form, worked in silver hiramakie and takamakie with a seated rabbit, the detail of the eye in red lacquer, 6 x 6 cm
A golden agate oval form pebble worked in gold hiramakie, takamakie and nashiji with a bat with outstretched wings, 5.5 x 5 cm
A small buff green agate pebble worked in black and gold hiramakie and takamakie with two ladybirds, 4 x 3.5 cm
A deep russet agate pebble worked in gold and silver hiramakie and takamakie with a goat striding forward, 7.5 x 5.5 cm