Detail: The appreciation of Japanese lacquer, urushi, resonates with many of Japan’s traditional aesthetic concepts. In assembling the collection of objects for this exhibition I invite viewers to reflect on these values and their increasingly universal importance to our lives today: memories of past events and lives, important moments in everyday rituals. The pieces span 600 years – from 15th century to contemporary work, from anonymous craftsmen to Living National Treasures recognised by the Japanese government for their essential role in continuing Japan’s unique artistic history.