Exhibited Red Lacquer sculpture ー井上 絵美子 “游舞”

A vivacious red sculpture by Kyoto‑based female lacquer artist Inoue Emiko created using the dry‑lacquer technique. Made from layers of hemp cloth covered in lacquer, the work captures the moment a red goldfish dives through the water and swiftly turns its body just before touching the bottom. Inoue spent her childhood in a rural environment surrounded by her grandfather’s farmland and abundant nature. The memories of growing up among living creatures form the core of her artistic imagination today. Titled “Yūbu” (“Graceful Swim”), the piece was created in 2021. It is 24.5 x 25.5 x 24 cm (9 5/8 x 10 x 9 7/16 inches) and was received directly from the artist, in excellent condition. It is published in the book Kyoto Kogei (2021) page 137. Born in Osaka in 1970, Inoue completed her graduate studies in lacquer art at Kyoto City University of Arts in 1995. Just two years later, she was invited to exhibit at LAQUES AU PRESENT in Paris, marking the beginning of her career. She has since participated in numerous exhibitions, including the 2000 Exhibition of Selected New Artists and the Kyoto Prefectural Exhibition of Selected Art and Crafts. In 2013, she made her debut at the newly reorganized Nitten (The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition) and was selected on her first submission. In 2021, she received the Special Award at the 8th Nitten, further establishing her reputation as an internationally recognized lacquer artist. Her works are installed in renowned hotels such as Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, Exiv Toba Bekkan, and Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo.