Urushi Now: Contemporary Japanese Lacquer

Urushi (lacquer) has been used in Japan for over 7,000 years. For centuries, lacquer-making techniques developed locally while reflecting cross-cultural influences from Asia. This display highlights the diversity of 21st-century artistic expression.
Display

  • Closes Friday, 30 April 2027

  • Gallery closure

    The Toshiba Gallery of Japanese Art (Room 45) is closed from 1 June for a gallery rotation and will reopen on 6 June 2026. The Urushi Now: Contemporary Japanese Lacquer display will be closed during this time.

  • V&A South Kensington

    Cromwell Road
    London, SW7 2RL

  • Japan, Room 45, The Toshiba Gallery

  • Free

+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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Features

Header image:
Order, ornamental box, by Ikeda Terumasa, 2024, Kanazawa, Japan. Museum no. FE.58-2024. © Akifumi Nakagawa