Ichizo Ino

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1970, Ichizo Ino studied Urushi-Art in the Department of
Crafts at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts. His practice is
rooted in traditional techniques, such as mokushin kanshitsu (wood-core dry lacquer) and
tōso, both dating back to the Nara period.

He begins by roughly carving familiar subjects, such as children and cats, out of wood. These carved forms then serve as cores, over which he applies numerous layers of urushi lacquer. Through this process, he brings together the rich volume of wood sculpture with the subtle　textures and refined surfaces created by lacquer.

The artist himself describes his works as “something like very personal Buddhist sculptures.” Their quiet, serene presence gently envelops the viewer, bringing a sense of calm into everyday life.