Hikihaku: Expanding Artistic Expressions with Lacquer and Foil

Hikibaku, a traditional Japanese art form, involves cutting designs created with lacquer and foil on washi paper into hair-thin strips and weaving them to transfer the designs directly onto items such as obi (a traditional Japanese belt). This technique is now finding new possibilities as a decorative design for everyday objects and as a unique art form.

Lacquer: Rich Color and Durability

Lacquer has a naturally brownish hue, which means it cannot produce white. However, by combining primary colors, various other colors can be created, much like paint. When lacquer is applied to washi paper, which has fibers aligned in one direction, the resulting strength surpasses that of fabric. This combination of practicality and artistic quality allows for the addition of original designs to everyday items.

Foil: Noble Luster and Artistic Presence

Foil has long embellished Japanese culture with unparalleled elegance throughout its long history. Notable examples include the intricate maki-e designs that stand out against the lustrous black lacquer background, and the resplendent gold foil that adorns entire folding screens, such as the renowned "Wind God and Thunder God" screens. These exemplify the profound and majestic essence of Japanese aesthetics. The appearance of foil changes dramatically with the angle of light. Beyond pure gold foil, there exists a rich palette of colors, and the techniques for shaping and applying foil are remarkably diverse. It can be powdered, fragmented into larger pieces, blown, pressed, or intricately combined with lacquer to create layered effects, allowing the foil to subtly emerge from beneath the surface. This versatility facilitates highly nuanced and sophisticated expressions.

Please take a look at the original works of Hikibaku artist Masaru Matsui.