Kazumi Murose / Submitted photo"Musical Box" by artist Kazumi Murose will be on display Oct. 25-Nov. 16 at the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland.

With its “Art in the Garden” special exhibitions this season, the Portland Japanese Garden has focused on artists using traditional techniques in innovative ways.

To close out the series, the garden is turning its attention to “urushi,” or the ancient art of lacquer. Opening Oct. 25, “Urushi: Masterpieces of Lacquerware by Kazumi Murose, Living National Treasure of Japan” runs through Nov. 16 in Portland.

According to a news release, urushi involves using the sap of the sumac tree as a coating to preserve and decorate tools, tables and furniture. The natural substance is known for its resistance to water, acid, heat and insects.

The son of an accomplished lacquer artist, Kazumi Murose was born in 1950 and started studying urushi at a young age. He specializes in two types of lacquer: “maki-e,” or sprinkled gold and silver decoration, and “raden,” or inlaid mother of pearl. Murose is recognized as a Living National Treasure by the Japanese government, an honor “given to those who hold the very highest level of skill in a traditional craft,” according to the release.

In addition to using urushi in contemporary ways, such as on cellphones and luxury pen sets, Murose also is known for his conservation of historical lacquer artifacts. This is his first solo exhibition in the United States.

In correlation with the exhibit, Murose will be in Oregon to present a free lecture on Japanese lacquer Oct. 26 at the Portland Art Museum. Reservations are required. To reserve a spot, email reservations@japanesegarden.com.

General admission for the Portland Japanese Garden is $9.50 for adults, $7.75 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and college students (with identifcation) and $6.75 for youth (ages 6-17). Admission includes access to the garden, gift store and exhibitions. For more information, visit www.japanesegarden.com or call 503-223-1321.

— Reporter: 541-383-0350, jwasson@bendbulletin.com