Onishi Gallery, a New York City gallery specializing in Japanese art, and KOGEI USA, a not-for-profit committed to promoting traditional Japanese craft, are proud to announce two exhibitions: The Spirit of Noto: Urushi Artists of Wajima and Waves of Resilience.

Held in collaboration with the Wajima Lacquer in New York Executive Committee, the exhibitions will assist earthquake recovery efforts in the Noto Peninsula, a historic center of high-quality lacquer production. Opening on October 1 and remaining on view through October 26, they will also inaugurate Onishi Gallery’s new 1,200-square-foot Upper East Side location in the historic Sidney Ripley mansion, built in 1905 and designed by Warren and Wetmore in Neo-Georgian style.

Curated by Onishi Gallery owner Nana Onishi, The Spirit of Noto: Urushi Artists of Wajima features masterpieces by three Living National Treasures and twelve outstanding local artists, all working with urushi, the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree.

Waves of Resilience showcases luxury tableware conceptualized, curated, and art directed by New York-based interior designer Melissa Bowers in collaboration with Senshudo, a long-established Wajima lacquerware company, as a celebration of Noto’s coastal scenery and the resilience of its people.

The organizers have pledged 10% of exhibition sales revenue toward reconstruction efforts, helping artists to both regain their economic wellbeing and mental health and reconstruct the intricate skills network essential to Wajima lacquer production.

These exhibitions not only address the immediate crisis in Wajima but also support KOGEI USA’s mission to promote KOGEI (contemporary craft art) in the United States,” says Nana Onishi. “Under the banner ‘Securing Heritage, Nurturing Traditions, and Building Futures,’ KOGEI USA showcases Living National Treasures and promotes new opportunities for artists in overseas markets.”

Committee Chair Mimi Yamazaki commented, “When I saw the devastation caused by the earthquake, I decided to help. I’m thrilled to collaborate with Nana Onishi, whose gallery represents many prominent figures in Japanese craft, including Living National Treasures and leading lacquer artists.”

For more information or appointments, please email nana@onishigallery.com or call 1.212.695.8035.