In Pursuit of Perfection
In Pursuit of Perfection
Set in the serene mountain town of Hakone, Japan, this short film by Japanese filmmaker Sugeno Takeya offers an intimate portrait of master craftsman Ichiro Ishikawa, one of the few remaining masters of Hakone Yosegi Zaiku—a centuries-old form of intricate marquetry.
Film Maker
Sugeno Takeya
Japan
Sugeno Takeya was a news videographer working for the Japanese public broadcaster, during which he learned filming, storytelling, and documentary production. He covered many stories in more than 30 countries and regions, such as Indonesia, East Timor, Afghanistan, and Palestine. Now, he uses his skills and knowledge to create documentary films as a freelancer.
Film Master
Ishikawa Ichiro
- Craft
- Japanese Hakone Marquetry
- Country
- Japan
Ishikawa Ichiro is a craftsman of Hakone Yosegi Zaiku living in Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. He is the seventh generation of Ishikawa Nihee, who is said to have started this traditional craft about 200 years ago. Inspired by the designation of Hakone Yosegi Zaiku as a nationally designated traditional craft in 1984, he became a traditional craftsman with the determination to learn this technique thoroughly and pass it on to the next generation. He continues to train younger craftsmen and create works, hoping to let many people know
about the unique technique of Hakone, which uses the natural colors of wood to create patterns and applies these patterns as thin sheets to boxes and other items.