Suntory Museum of Art — Negoro

Yesterday, I visited the Negoro exhibition at the Suntory Museum of Art in Roppongi. The exhibition explores the beauty of Negoro lacquerware and reveals how these centuries-old objects were never intended to be perfect, yet appear increasingly beautiful over time.

Early Negoro pieces—such as bowls, trays, and ritual vessels—were used in temples as well as in everyday life. They were first coated with black lacquer and then finished with layers of red lacquer. Creating each piece was a lengthy and demanding process, often requiring six to eight layers of lacquer before completion.

The exhibition highlights the craftsmanship of artisans from the 14th centuries through to the modern era, showing how techniques and values have been carefully passed down across generations. It also demonstrates the remarkable durability of Negoro ware: even after centuries of use, the lacquer does not easily peel or chip. Instead, natural wear reveals the black layers beneath the red, creating the distinctive beauty for which Negoro is admired today.