Kodo Otomaru

Choshitsu (carved lacquer) is an artistic technique which consists in carving patterns through several layers of lacquer applied to objects and dried. Zokoku Tamakaji (1806–69), a pioneer of Sanuki lacquer art active in the late Edo period in Takamatsu, who studied Chinese techniques established it as one of the Sanuki lacquer techniques.The present exhibition, the “Kodo Otomaru Exhibition: Magnificent World of Choshitsu,” is a special display of carved-lacquer works by Kodo Otomaru (1898–1987).
A leading figure in Sanuki lacquer art, Otomaru combined the technical heritage from Tamakaji and Keido Ishii with a rich sense of color and bold designs. Born in Takamatsu in 1898, Otomaru trained as an apprentice with Ishii from 1910 and from 1914 began studying Tamakaji’s lacquer works independently.
In 1921, together with metalcraft artist Takashi Osuga and others, he formed the group Kofukai and began holding exhibitions and working enthusiastically as a lacquer artist. In 1932, he was accepted for display in the 13th Imperial Exhibition. After this initial acceptance, he displayed regularly in these exhibitions. In 1942, his carved-lacquer box entitled “Cosmetic box with moon-flower design , Choshitsu” received a special award in the 5th New Ministry of Education Art Exhibition (the work is now in the collection of the Takamatsu Art Museum).
A well-known, major influence on the world of Japanese crafts, he was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property holder (in the carved-lacquer division) in 1955 and in the same year participated in the founding of the Japan Kōgei Association.
Rich coloring characterizes his work. Though generally lacquer colors were limited to vermillion, black, yellow, green, and brown, Otomaru was one of the first to introduce new lake pigments to express difficult intermediate and brilliant tones. His works continue to captivate with the way he expands lacquer color range and his keen sense of design.
Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Takamatsu Art Museum and the 120th anniversary of Otomaru’s birth, this exhibition evokes the full appeal of his artistic world by exhibiting 60 items including wood carvings and sketches together with some of his finest carved-lacquer works.
In conclusion, we should like to express our sincere gratitude to family members and collectors who cooperated greatly in the production of this exhibition.