Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture is globally renowned as the birthplace of Wajima lacquerware, a traditional Japanese craft. Following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024, local artisans lost their workshops and tools, making it difficult for them to continue their craft. In response, Wedgwood, a British Royal Warrant brand with 265 years of history rooted in craftsmanship, artistry and innovation, focused on Wajima lacquerware, a key industry in Wajima City, as part of its support initiative for the earthquake-affected areas. By highlighting the beauty and technique of Wajima lacquerware, the brand launched the “WEST MEETS EAST” project, aiming to raise awareness, encourage purchases, and provide continuous support to artisans, thereby renewing their sense of purpose.

The art direction for “WEST MEETS EAST,” which showcases Wedgwood alongside Wajima lacquerware, was led by product designer Keita Suzuki. Suzuki has deep ties to Ishikawa Prefecture through his role as a guest professor in the Industrial Design Department at Kanazawa College of Art, and his active engagement in reconstruction support efforts. Collaborating with photographer Teruaki Kawakami and stylist Yuko Magata, the project brings together the traditional techniques and unique beauty of both Wedgwood and Wajima lacquerware, resulting in an artistic encounter between Western and Eastern beauty. The featured Wajima lacquerware, which includes works by a Living National Treasure, exemplifies the pinnacle of Wajima craftsmanship and beauty, selected by Suzuki in consultation with the local community. The three Wedgwood fine bone china collections paired with lacquerware carry messages for the earthquake-affected region. “Phoenix,” featuring a phoenix motif symbolizing rebirth, expresses the wish for swift recovery. “Helia,” derived from the word for the sun, suggests the arrival of dawn and conveys comfort with the idea that “every night eventually ends.” Lastly, “Fortune,” reminiscent of traditional Japanese patterns, draws inspiration from Kutani ware, a renowned craft that also originates from Ishikawa Prefecture.

This project was born from Wedgwood’s long-standing appreciation for Japan and its connection with Wajima lacquerware, centered around the themes of “dining” and “craft.” The collaboration seeks to inspire interest in the future of Wajima lacquerware and raise awareness of the areas impacted by the earthquake, starting with an appreciation for these works. Along with the featured works and information on the artists, we invite you to rediscover Wajima lacquerware through these beautiful photographs.

◾️Related information
“WEST MEETS EAST”
Website: https://www.wedgwood.jp/contents/west-meets-east

“WEST MEETS EAST”: Wajima lacquerware
Kosyudo
https://kosyudo-japan.com/home/

Artists for works:
Kunie Komori
Junichi Hakose
Yui Kado
Keisuke Konishi
Takahito Zenko

“WEST MEETS EAST”: Creative team
Art direction Keita Suzuki (Product Design Center）
Photographer Teruaki Kawakami (bean)
Stylist Yuko Magata