Simon Pilling deals in fine Japanese Art, specialising in urushi (Japanese lacquer) – the most perfect and finest objects ever issued from the hand of man (Louis Gonse, L'Art Japonais, 1900). Particular emphasis is placed on 20th century artistic development - responding to Japan's new international status following its centuries of isolation through the Edo period - and contemporary artists, whose innovative work ensures the continuation of Japan's quintessential lacquer arts.