Gonroku Matsuda (1896–1986) was a leading figure in modern lacquer art, born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. He became familiar with lacquer art from an early age and, after studying at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, honed his advanced techniques and unique designs, focusing primarily on maki-e. Whilst cherishing traditional techniques, he depicted flowers, birds and natural landscapes in sophisticated compositions, leaving behind numerous elegant works that make full use of the lustre of black and gold lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay. In 1955, he was designated a Living National Treasure as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property ‘Makie’, and in 1976 he was awarded the Order of Culture.

When viewing Gonroku Matsuda’s works, one is first captivated by the precision of his craftsmanship, which extends down to the finest details. However, their appeal lies not solely in the precision of his technique. Within the deep lustre of the lacquer, the shimmer of gold and mother-of-pearl appears subtly, creating a work that is both splendid and imbued with a calm dignity. To me, Matsuda’s lacquer art seems to be works that, whilst mastering traditional techniques, quietly reflect the presence of nature and the changing seasons. I believe that its profound depth—the way its appearance changes depending on the viewing distance and the light—is its greatest charm.