Overview

Founded nearly 1,250 years ago, Nikko has since been revered as a holy place. A mausoleum was built in the early Edo period (1603-1867) to commemorate the great deeds of Ieyasu Tokugawa and Nikko has remained a sacred site to this day. The construction of Toshogu Shrine was completed in 1636 after just one and a half years. In a manner similar to factory production and on-site assembly seen today, components were crafted in Edo and then transported to Nikko as finished products for assembly.
The colors of the urushi(lacquer) coating on the buildings of Toshogu Shrine vary according to architectural style. This lecture will use actual examples of the urushi and coloring used during the shrine’s construction to dive into the techniques and materials that have been used, preserved, and handed down from the Edo period to present day.
(Images provided by: The Association for the Preservation of the Nikko World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples)

Title
Special Exhibition Commemorative Lecture
“Decorating Nikko’s Structures: Urushi & Coloring”
Date & Time
Sunday, August 4, 2024
13:30～15:00（Doors open at 13:00）
Lecturer
Urushi craftsman, Noritake Sato
*See more about the lecturer below.
Venue
Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, 1F Multipurpose Hall
Event fee
No additional charge (museum admission fee is required)
Preferred language
*If you prefer English, please check the box on the application page.
Capacity
80 seats *Lottery will be held if there are a high number of applicants.
Reservation deadline
By July 20th, 2024 (Sat.)
How to Reserve
Reservation Site: （This link will take you to another site *1）
Please select your desired date from the calendar at the bottom of the booking page and proceed with your reservation.
About the Lecturer
Noritake SATO
Alias: “Genbu.” Born in 1949 in Okura Village, Yamagata. Joined the now Association for the Preservation of the Nikko World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples in 1972 as a urushi craftsman (currently his 53rd year ). Has helped repair approximately 90 buildings. Recognized as a holder of Selected Conservation Techniques (Building Urushi) in 2022. Provides advice and guidance on urushi at repair sites throughout the country. Other merits include: selected for the Japan Traditional Lacquerwork Exhibition, Tochigi Prefecture’s Person of Cultural Merit, Person of Regional Cultural Merit, and the 1st Okura Village People’s Honor Award.
JAPAN　CULTURAL EXPO 2.0
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