Maki-e is one of the unique and traditional techniques of craftwork in Japan. However, as demand for maki-e and lacquer ware (urushi) has decreased, due in part to the ever changing life-styles of the Japanese, younger craftsmen who should be succeeding their seniors have no other choice but to seek work in different fields, and knowledge of the technique has declined of late. As one of the directors of Japan Urushi Art and Craft Association, and also as a Japanese, I wish to protect the art of maki-e itself and to ensure the techniques needed to produce this artwork are carried into the future. For this reason, I planned and then produced this gold maki-e glass.

To improve any craft technique, daily practice is essential. This is no different from the commitment shown by pianists or violinists. Production on a daily basis, even if but a small piece is necessary to "keep one's hand in." This project aims to improve the technique of our younger craftsmen through practicing their art on this needed daily basis, to help secure their futures and to pass an art form onto the next generation.

Fortunately, the 250-year-old Austrian company Riedel, designers of wineglasses according to the character of the wines they will hold, have collaborated on this project. As Mr. Gonroku Matsuda, a master of maki-e, once depicted maki-e on the products of Dunhill, so shall our younger craftsmen add maki-e to Riedel wineglasses, glasses recommended by a great many sommeliers and used at wineries all over the world.

In recent times, shoddy workmanship imitating products made in Japan have been sold in overseas markets as well as on the Japanese market. This reality has degraded not only the reputation of Japanese artwork but also the reputation of Japan as a whole. In view of such circumstances, I believe that the true internationalization of Japan is to show true Japanese art works and take the real Japan to the world.

I believe that the beauty of maki-e supported by a nation with 2000 years of history and tradition will be worthy of admiration in society circles in Europe, as well as in Japan. I hope you will take the gold maki-e glass in your hand and see the reality of authentic Japanese craftsmanship and beauty.