Reflection by Ai Shikanji

Fine strands of thread, solidified in lacquer and gilded with gold, silver and tin using the Makie-technique, have been layered to create this work. The metallic coatings reflect the light with varying intensities to create a gentle sense of movement, further enhanced by the undulating pattern of the strands. This work utilises a new technique based on the historic kanshitsu dry lacquer tradition, but here instead of draping a single piece of cloth over a surface, many threads have been used, resulting
in an object where lacquer is integral to its structure rather than used solely as a finish.