While the author was working on this publication, an earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula and the city of Wajima on January 1, 2024. Fires and destruction followed. In September of the same year, Ishikawa was hit by heavy rains that caused flooding and landslides. This book is dedicated to his friends and the wish that they may safely return to their lives and work.

Over ten years ago, we watched "Maboroshi," a Japanese film by Kore-eda Hirokazu, and were mesmerized by Wajima and the Noto region of Japan. A few years later, we visited a lacquerware exhibition at the Japanese Embassy in London. The pieces had been created in collaboration with artisans from Wajima. We spoke with Emiko, the curator, who introduced us to a group of Wajima artisans who had specialized for centuries in the local production of urushi lacquerware. This book is just the tip of the iceberg—how we went to live in Wajima for a while and how we attracted the attention of highly skilled people who finally agreed to try something that amateurs like us had suggested.

Practical :

Author, design and publisher: Åbäke

First edition: 2024

Pages: 128

Language: English

ISBN: 9781907908781