Keiko Hata

Born in Boston, USA, Keiko Hata graduated from the Kyoto City University of Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Crafts, with a specialization in Urushi Lacquering in 2012. She further honed her craft by completing a Master's Degree in the same field at the Graduate School of Arts, Kyoto City University of Arts, in 2014.

Her work explores the Japanese lacquer techniques of *kawari-nuri* and *raden* inlay, drawing inspiration from natural motifs such as the sky, clouds, the sea, and starry nights. These elements evoke a serene yet profound connection to nature, expressed through the intricate beauty of urushi lacquer artistry.

Her cultivated background in urushi lacquer restoration, including the conservation of Buddhist statues, has deepened her appreciation for the material's limitless potential—not only for practical restoration, but as a medium for creating timeless works of art.

In addition to the authentic kintsugi technique, she incorporates decorative lacquer methods into her kintsugi pieces, giving them a distinctive and artistic touch that only a trained urushi lacquer artist can achieve. Each piece she restores tells a unique story, blending artistry and craftsmanship.

Passionate about sharing the rich traditions of urushi lacquer with the world through kintsugi, she explores its unique textures, colors, and finishes, introducing global audiences to the beauty of the Japanese lacquer art form.

Through her work, Keiko Hata transforms broken pottery into one-of-a-kind masterpieces, redefining urushi lacquer as more than a restoration material—it is a celebration of artistry, heritage, and renewal.