Yu Watanabe

A microcosmic space connecting us with nature through the reflection of Urushi lacquer and Japanese perspectives of lighting and space.

Natural Lacquer Harvested from Nature

Urushi lacquer is a sustainable, biodegradable and beautifully glossy natural Japanese sap harvested from the trees in a respectful way. Unfortunately, the traditional craft of Urushi is in decline due to the emergence of alternative materials. This project aims to revitalise this craft and create a space that connects us with nature.

In Praise of Shadows

Unlike the West, where people often remove shadows from space, the Japanese embrace shadows as a part of aesthetic beauty. In Junichiro Tanizaki's In Praise of Shadows, he mentions the true value of lacquerware is that it reflects a candle-like light in a dark room, giving off a luminous glow that gives a sense of the depth of darkness and invites one into a meditative space. Through this project, Urushi is used to reflect a small flickering light while embracing shadows.

Culture of "Mitate"

In Japanese culture, the technique of "Mitate" can be found in various cultural expressions such as Karesansui (Japanese zen or rock garden), Bonsai and Ikebana. In rock gardens, stones and rocks are used to represent a sea of clouds or the ocean. This is left to the imagination and enjoyment of the viewer, as no actual water is used. In other words, it is a system that invites the viewer to enter a personal microcosm, a meditative space, an imaginary world in the mind of the individual through materials.

Immersive Space to Connect to Nature

Through the arrangement of tree-like shapes, the project seeks to evoke a sense of being in a forest. The play of light and shadows allows viewers to immerse themselves in a microcosmic space reminiscent of nature. This project not only explores the fascination of materials, but also encourages the viewer to look at the materials through the lense of their backgrounds, narratives and connections with nature. It is a way of accepting the darkness and surrendering to the beauty of the space, even if it is not a glimmering light, leading to a kind of meditative space and the inner world of the self. In this respect, this piece can be enjoyed in spaces where you may want to get away from the usual busy world, calm your mind and concentrate on your own senses.

Sustainability Approach in Radiance of Nature with Urushi

Why can’t everyday objects also be an opportunity for people to connect with nature? Urushi, a fully repairable, biodegradable, and naturally produced lacquer, allows us to create products embodying the cycle of nature. This ancient Japanese craft founded in principles of sustainability is revitalized through a modern design in this project.

Urushi is extracted from trees in small amounts, processed and applied to natural materials such as bamboo. Although highly durable, Urushi products can be returned to nature when disposed of breaking down naturally under UV light. Crafted by hand by skilled artisans, each product is created in respect of the slow, yet continuous production of natural material. This circular design has a wide range of applications and the potential to restore the relationship between nature and people contrasting the modern reliance on single-use plastics.