Chinatsu Furukawa

Biography

Born 1993, Hiroshima, Japan
2016　B.F.A., Hiroshima City University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Design and Crafts, Metalwork
2018　M.F.A., Hiroshima City University Graduate School of Arts, Metalwork Laboratory
Professional Experience
2018–2023　Part-time Assistant Instructor, Hiroshima City University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Design and Crafts, Metalwork
Major Projects & Activities
2019　Planning and sales of “National Treasure: Yohen Tenmoku and Broken Straw Sandals,” Ryōkō-in, Daitoku-ji (MIHO MUSEUM, Shiga, Japan)
2019　Created “Copy of Mitsuan-seki Nail Cover” for Ryōkō-in, Daitoku-ji; acquired by Kanshō-an Collection
2022　Daegu International Art Fair 2022 (Daegu, South Korea)
2023　Art Tainan 2023 (Tainan, Taiwan)
2024–　Established studio in Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima
2024　Permanent installation at Kasumigaseki Building (Tokyo, Japan)
2025　Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong 2025 (Hong Kong)
2025　Beijing International Enamel Art Creation & Exchange Exhibition — Invited Artist
2025　Guest Lecture at Beijing Union University
Additional solo exhibitions and art fair participation worldwide.

Introduced to enameling during her studies in the Creative Expression Course at Motomachi High School, she later pursued metal crafts at Hiroshima City University and developed her own enamel expression. While employing traditional Japanese cloisonné (yūsen shippō) techniques, she explores new creative possibilities free from conventional material and technical constraints.

A distinctive feature of her work is the intentional choice to leave silver wires visible—normally polished away after firing—thereby creating depth and shadow across the surface. By harmonizing the visual qualities of enamel glaze, sterling silver, and copper, she seeks to explore expressive possibilities not found in conventional enamel art.

Cloisonné enamel is a traditional craft in which vitreous enamel is applied to a metal base—such as gold, silver, or copper—and fired at high temperatures. The piece is created through a process of repeatedly firing the enamel, a technique that demands a high level of skill and precision. Once completed, the work reveals deep, rich colors and a luminous beauty.
In wired cloisonné, thin metal strips are carefully stood upright and affixed by hand onto the metal base to form patterns, into which the enamel is then poured. Because these metal wires remain visible even after firing, the finished piece achieves a striking interplay of glassy enamel and metal, creating depth and subtle shadow.
Typically, after firing, the surface of the enamel and metal wires is polished to achieve a smooth, even finish. However, Furukawa deliberately leaves the surface unpolished, preserving the raw texture of the metal and allowing its material presence to remain an integral part of the work.

 

 

2016　IMAKARA MAMESARA 2016 Metal Craft Exhibition — Genbei Yamanaka Prize, Audience Prize
2016　5th Soba-choko Art Competition — Second Prize
2016　ART MEETS ARCHITECTURE COMPETITION 2016 — Grand Prize
2017　Kanazawa International Craft Competition — Selected
2017　President’s Encouragement Award (Hiroshima City University)
2017　6th Soba-choko Art Competition — Jury Prize
2018　Excellent Graduation/Thesis Award, Hiroshima City University
2019　Kanazawa International Craft Competition — Selected
2021　International Kogei Award in Toyama — Selected
2021　41st Artwork Competition DAEGU INTERNATIONAL GRAND EXHIBITION — Excellence Award
2021　Iime Fukurame in Fukuoka — Excellence Award, ART COLLECTORS Magazine Award, Audience Award
2022　3rd Tea Element Competition — Special Prize