Japanese Living National Treasure Nakagawa Mamoru Exhibits in Taiwan for the First Time

Text by Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported

The New Taipei City Gold Museum is currently hosting the “Japanese Living National Treasure – Nakagawa Mamoru Metalwork Exhibition” on the second floor exhibition space of the Refinery Building. Mr. Nakagawa Mamoru was recognized by the Japanese government as an “Important Intangible Cultural Property Preserver” in 2004 for his “chisel inlay” technique, and in 2010, his works were acquired by the British Museum in London. For the first time, nine of his outstanding pieces are being exhibited in Taiwan, and art enthusiasts are encouraged to visit before May 13th.

Gold Museum Director Tsai Tsung-hsiung noted that the most distinctive feature of Nakagawa Mamoru’s work lies in its fusion of traditional and modern techniques and philosophies — creating contemporary value from historical roots, infused with deeply moving, healing elements. As such, his works are often collected by celebrities and entrepreneurs around the world.

Born in 1947 in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, Nakagawa Mamoru is currently a professor at Kanazawa College of Art. After graduating from university, he worked at Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., designing products such as razors and dryers. He later transitioned to a researcher position at the Ishikawa Prefectural Industrial Research Institute. During this period, he had the opportunity to visit an exhibition on “Kaga Zogan” at the Ishikawa Prefectural Art Museum. “Kaga Zogan,” which has a history of over 400 years dating back to the Edo period, was originally a gift presented by the Maeda clan lord to reward regional lords, symbolizing the bond of trust between ruler and subject. This form of creation, blending ornamentation with spiritual meaning, deeply moved him and set him on the path of metal craftsmanship. For more information, please visit the Gold Museum website at www.gep.ntpc.gov.tw.

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