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The study of lacquer, one of the principal mediums of pre-modern Japan, allows one to learn much about Japan in a great many areas. Lacquer works derive their subject matter from all corners of Japanese culture: literature, legends, painting, textiles, and on and on. The major Japanese patrons-- Imperial aristocrats, warriors, and Buddhist priests-- commissioned many of their most esteemed objects in lacquer. It is a material unique to Asia and unlike anything that was used elsewhere: its unusual physical properties allow pictures to be made of precious materials such as gold and silver, and it shows them to great advantage. The seminar will focus on an exceptional collection of Japanese lacquer objects in a special exhibition at the Loeb Art Center this fall. The links below introduce some of the issues we will explore in the seminar and answer some of the questions you may have about lacquer. Andrew M. Watsky, anwatsky@vassar.edu |
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