Onihira Keiji 1973

Onihira Keiji is a urushi artist, born in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1973. He is an official member of the Japan Kogei Association, and a member of Wajima Lacquerware Technique Preservation Society, which contributes to preservation of Important Intangible Cultural Property.

 

At age 18, Onihira received mentorship from the Maki-e artist Kumano Sadahisa. After completing Ishikawa Prefectural Institute of Wajima Lacquer Techniques in Maki-e concentration, Onihira’s work has been included in numerous exhibitions such as Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibitions.

 

Selected Exhibitions 

2024    The Spirit of Noto: Urushi Artists of Wajima & Waves of Resilience, New York, US

               Salon Art + Design - Onishi Gallery, Park Avenue Armory, New York, NY

2021     Wajima Museum of Urushi Art 30th Anniverasary Special Exhibition “Made in Wajima –    

             Age of Urushi,” Wajima Museum of Urushi Art, Ishiwaka, Japan

2018     Japanese Lacquer Work, Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, Kanazawa, Japan

2018     Urushi Tradition and Innovation, Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, SOGO Museum

            of Art, MOA Museum of Art, Japan

 

Selected Awards

2023    The 70th Anniversary Award at the 70th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition

2018     Ishikawa Prefecture Culture Awards – Public Recognition Prize

2011     The 52nd Traditional Crafts Exhibition of Ishikawa - Kanazawa City Mayor Prize
            The 58th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition – Japan Crafts Association Honorable

            Prize

2006    The Mayor of Kanazawa Award at the 47th Ishikawa Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition

2004    Asahi Shimbun Prize at the 21st Exhibition of Japanese Traditional Urushi Works