Ryoma NODA
My work is inspired by the Gōroku-wan, a type of lacquer bowl that was once produced in Noto Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. Traditionally, its tall foot was designed to make eating easier when seated on the floor. To me, however, its elevated and solid form resembles an altar for the life we receive—an embodiment of gratitude and prayer.
The fact that production of the Gōroku-wan once came to a halt feels symbolic of how gratitude toward food has faded in today’s systematized society. Through this work, I seek to rediscover and express an awareness of being sustained by nature itself.
I explore forms that combine lightness, durability, and spiritual presence by integrating molding techniques such as kanshitsu (dry lacquer), dakkatsu kanshitsu (hollow dry lacquer), and mokushin kanshitsu (wood-core dry lacquer) with decorative methods including maki-e and raden (mother-of-pearl inlay). Grounded in traditional craftsmanship, my practice layers contemporary symbolism in order to connect the art of lacquerware with the present day.
Spending three years in Ishikawa Prefecture allowed me to encounter the deep passion that local communities hold for their traditional culture. During the Noto Peninsula earthquake, many of my friends were affected. Today, lacquer artists and artisans across Japan are uniting to support the region’s recovery. Believing that my role is to share the significance of lacquer art with a wider audience, I am now dedicating myself to my work more than ever.
• 60th Anniversary Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition – Contemporary Arts and Crafts Grand Prize
• Forbes JAPAN 30 UNDER 30 (2024) – MUFG Special Award
• 62nd Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition – Contemporary Arts and Crafts Award
• 78th Kanazawa Crafts Exhibition – HOKURIKU Broadcasting President’s Award
• 79th Kanazawa Crafts Exhibition – Kanazawa Crafts Association President’s Award
• 80th Anniversary Kanazawa Crafts Exhibition – 80th Anniversary Commemorative Award
• Kanazawa Utatsuyama Crafts Workshop – Award Recipient (2022, 2023, 2024)