Exquisite Lacquerware
Exquisite Lacquerware from Japan
No other country is as famous for its top-quality lacquerware as Japan. These exclusive products are called "Shikki" and should not be confused with the simple and inexpensive, often plastic-like bowls and containers that are mass-produced in the market. The genuine, high-quality products are made from fine wood and traditionally enhanced layer by layer with natural Urushi lacquer. Urushi resin lacquer is a pure natural product. In recent years, because Urushi is very rare and expensive, lacquerware products are also protected with food-safe urethane lacquers. Shikki comes in various colors, commonly red or black, but warm natural tones are also becoming increasingly popular. Before cleanroom cabins existed, Shikki was lacquered at sea to avoid any dust. Surfaces are astonishingly graceful, offering a soft and gentle feeling. And, of course, the very light weight, making it almost as if the bowls float in the hand.
Decorative, Exquisite Wooden Tableware
For those who are proud owners, the beautiful rice bowls and dining bowls should also be used. In authentic style, that means not with a knife and fork, but preferably with beautiful Japanese chopsticks. Despite their lightweight and beautiful finish, Shikki (lacquerware) is extremely durable and deserves a place on a well-set table. A bit of care and maintenance will make them lifelong companions that bring joy day after day.
Urushi, the Original Japanese Lacquer Art
This lacquer, used in some very traditional manufactories, is a pure natural resin lacquer. It is also called Urushi, just like the technique of lacquering, the intricate application of multiple layers of lacquer. On one hand, it serves to protect the fine wood, while on the other, it is the lacquer itself that contributes to the unique qualities of these high-quality products. Skilled craftsmen, trained over many years, create surfaces by hand that almost make you feel their enthusiasm, attention to detail, and tradition. It was not too long ago that these bowls were made exclusively for the imperial family and the nobility.
The Technique Behind Urushi Lacquerware
The production itself is an elaborate process where even a small mistake can be fatal. There are over 30 steps in total for a single piece of tableware. Initially, a wooden core is primed and lacquered. In these steps, using a thin brush made from women's hair, the lacquer is delicately and carefully applied in multiple layers. The lacquer is then also scraped, sanded, and hand-polished, with these steps repeated multiple times. The result is a brilliant shine that is unparalleled. The mystical depth of the surface almost captivates the viewer. Objects lacquered in this manner can be further refined with techniques like Chinkin and Makie.
After the Urushi lacquer application comes the drying process, which is another significant challenge. Key factors include temperature, humidity, and air purity. During the drying process, not a single speck of dust can settle on the lacquer surface; otherwise, all the effort would be in vain. In ancient Japan, Urushi artists settled in mountainous areas or allowed their works to harden at sea, where there was hardly any dust. The color changes significantly during drying and also depend on natural environmental conditions. To achieve the desired color tone in the end product, the craftsman's experience is crucial.
Sustainability and Durability
Japanese lacquerware is one of the most sustainable types of tableware in the world. Almost all materials, except for the metal used, come from renewable resources. Wood and lacquer sap regrow over time, ensuring their availability for future generations. Original Japanese lacquerware is also durable for a lifetime. Users of the tableware will witness how it ages with them. Over time, the appearance of the lacquer changes. It's almost as if the tableware lives alongside its owner. However, one should keep their Japanese lacquerware away from the sun, as UV rays are not kind to it. Prolonged exposure can cause the lacquer layers to crack and render the tableware unusable.
Gato Mikio - Masterpieces from the Traditional Workshop
Gato Mikio was founded in 1908 in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, in western Japan. For a long time, this high-altitude region has been producing artistic products made of Urushi lacquerware. Truly Japanese, truly handmade, truly craftsmanship. Gato Mikio leverages the benefits of traditional production to create exceptionally beautiful tableware, which has received numerous design awards. These products are now in demand worldwide but are available only in limited quantities. Gato Mikio consistently distances itself from mass production. The noble Japanese wood, skillfully crafted into bowls and dining bowls, is carefully selected for each product and is far too precious to be left to industrial production.
Tsuchinao Shikki – A Young Team Committed to Tradition
Tsuchinao, based in Kawada, Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, manufactures Echizen lacquerware using traditional methods. The manufactories collaborates with specialized craftsmen from the entire region to offer beautiful and durable pieces. Currently, there are 15 employees, of which 12 are production staff (lacquer craftsmen). The top-tier technicians and traditional artisans are also deeply involved in training and help pass on traditional techniques to younger employees. Tsuchinao creates products that meet modern needs by skillfully combining traditional techniques with new ideas and designs.