For thousands of years, artisans have used Japanese lacquer, which is both resilient and attractive in appearance, to protect and decorate their work.

Different techniques still used today include embedding gold and silver powder, adding different pigments, and inlaying shell or other materials.

The title of this exhibition of modern lacquerware includes the word "kotohogi," the Japanese term for "celebration," and it refers to the traditional use of lacquer to decorate welcoming dishes for guests; till Feb. 11.

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, Crafts Gallery; (03) 5777-8600; 3-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Takebashi Station, Tozai Line. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ¥200. Closed Mon. (except Dec. 24, Jan. 14, Feb. 11), Dec. 28-Jan. 1., Jan. 15. www.momat.go.jp.