Normally works of lacquer seem to be very solid, but Muramoto wanted to create forms that were light, and that might appear to be moved by the wind. In order to express this feeling he developed a technique of stretching fabric over bowed twigs in order to create the body of a form.

The artist is also very interested in coexistence in nature, like the relationship between insects and plants. This reminds him of the importance of each different material in his work.

The forms evolve from the relationship between the different materials. For example, the bowed twigs create movement; then the fabric stretched over them creates the curved surface; and then the lacquer coated on the surface finalizes the forms. And this is his goal: to make interesting forms through the relationships of each of three components.

For him to make use of the unique character of the material is more important than self expression. He always thinks about the unique quality of Urushi, Japanese lacquer, and how to maximize its beauty.

Collections:

Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN
Marunouchi Hotel Co, Ltd./ Tokyo
Philadelphia Museum of Art, PA
Design Center Ishikawa, Ishikawa
Lobby, Horizon Place Akasaka, Tokyo
Lobby, Proud Uehara, Tokyo
Hotel Trusty, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Utatsuyama Craft Workshop, Ishikawa