LACQUERWARE(漆器、SHIKI)

 Lacquerware, (漆器, shiki) is a Japanese craft with a wide range of fine and decorative arts, as lacquer has been used in urushi-e, prints, and on a wide variety of objects from Buddha statues to bento boxes for food. As Chinese ceramic was highly praised and spread to the world as "china", shiki has sometimes been called "japan".

Laquer trees grow across (south and east) Asia, and is used as a varnish to protect materials such as wood, or to make them waterproof. While using laquer itself is not a rare practice, it was established as a traditional craft in Japan. The deep colors of shiki is another example of the Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi.

Shiki has been used in Japanese homes for a long time, and its use can be traced back 15 thousand years to the Jomon era. People have long sought(?) spirituality in the dark glow of shiki, and it has a history of being considered as holy objects that hold spirits.

 
青色漆器.jpg

"A craft that (fascinated? mesmerized? captivated? enchanted? charmed?) the West"

During the age of discovery, the Europeans found a beautiful craft that shines like gold on a small island of the east. This craft was of course, shiki, and it became the first "made in Japan" product to be loved overseas. Those who visit Japan would send many shiki back home, and it became a major export of Japan. It is known that the French Queen and wife of Louis 16th Marie Antoinette was a collecter of shiki.

Tradition that continues to evolve

The European's fascination for shiki continued, and they came to develop thier own version of the craft. One example is the black color of pianos. Pianos originally had a wood grain surface but inspired by shiki, it started being painted a glossy black in Brunswick, Germany. The classy black was perfect for an instrument that creates such elegant sounds, and eventually became the classic color for pianos. 

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

We invite you join us ......

 
 
 

RECOMMENDED FOR

  • Those who have a interest in traditional Japanese culture and art
  • Those who would like to learn about the Japan's unique concept of beauty 
  •  Chefs

Optional add-ons to make your experience more memorable:

Please inquire about TRANSPORTATION and PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY accommodations.