Toshiyuki
The Story
Lacquer (urushi in Japanese) comes from the sap taken from the lacquer tree and is said to be the most sought-after of natural painting materials. Japan is home to the oldest lacquerware pieces yet discovered, with a 12,600 year-old object found in Fukui prefecture.
Since these early roots, lacquer has been a functional material incorporated in daily life, becoming more refined together with the development of Japanese culture. It can be considered the origin of the ancient traditions and art of Japan, and the starting point of Japanese beauty.
As it is difficult for lacquer trees to grow in the wild, they are farmed in Japan, with their properties being studied even down to the type of sap and seeds. Lacquer is utilized for its high antibacterial properties, as well as for its high degree of water resistance and anti-decay, and has been an important element in the preservation and restoration of cultural properties.
Continuing this tradition is Kyoto’s Makino Urushi Design a group of experienced lacquer artisans, involved with a wide variety of lacquer work, ranging from contemporary art to components of temple and shrines. Aiming for a new vision for lacquerware, Makino collaborates with artisans and designers of different fields in order to regularly produce objects that have never been seen before, in the hope of reviving lacquerware in contemporary life.
After a decade of apprentice training in Wajima, founder Shinkichi Makino moved to Kyoto in order to work as a lacquer artisan for Buddhist altars. In 1955, he took part in the first restoration of Kinkaku-ji temple, after the devastating fire five years before.
His grandson (and third generation) Toshiyuki began his training in 1992. While watching his father Shinichi work on a second restoration of Kinkaku-ji, he realized that there is great value in doing a job by hand. Toshiyuki devoted himself to making lacquerware, and as he grew used to the work, he felt that he really understood his father for the first time.
As company greatly expanded, the increase in the number of artisans required that a number were hired from outside the family. Commissions were then taken for the restoration of temples and shrines all over Japan. A few years ago, Makino began working with overseas designers, beginning the production of high-end interior furniture and objects.
As it is important that this history not die out, Makino is always thinking about how lacquer will show on new items, keeping what needs to be maintained and how to add lacquer to new items. Their job is to convey the traditions born from Japan’s historical culture to various people, and to preserve them for future generations. As such, lacquer will continue to evolve under the hands of the younger generation of craftsmen.
The Tour
1) Guided tour of the workshop, introduction of techniques, and explanation of the history of the craftsmen
The tour will provide an in-depth introduction to the traditional techniques inherited by the craftsmen and their history, as well as an explanation of the lacquer works created by Makino Lacquer Craft. We will carefully explain the craftsmanship backed by a long history, the thoughts behind the works, and the technical aspects of lacquer craft. During the tour, participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the appeal of traditional crafts.
2) Souvenirs and Experiences
Upon request, travelers can take home lacquer tiles as souvenirs. Visitors can also try their hand at blowing lacquer (upon request), offering a valuable experience of actually handling lacquer. Visitors can challenge the process of spraying lacquer with their own hands and fully appreciate the depth of this traditional craft and its charm.
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The Craft
There are two main steps in the lacquering process: Preparing the wood/base and coating/polishing. Both processes are important in order to create a beautiful glossy shine on the finished product, so it is work that requires a great deal of care. Makino makes full use of inherited ancient techniques, applying the base coat by kneading lacquer with ground powder and abrasive powder. This technique, which is disappearing, is a great source of pride for the artisans.
By making the base secure strengthens the wood, to improve the adhesion of the lacquer to be applied afterwards and to prolong the life of the lacquer surface. Makino can also apply lacquer to glass, metals, and a wide variety of materials.
Undercoating is next, to fill in any unevenness in the wood and smooth the painted surface before applying the topcoat. The process is repeated many times: sandpaper sharpening after the primer coat and charcoal sharpening after the middle coat. The final coat is applied by both brush and spray application methods. Spraying can only be done at our studio, so it’s a highly specialized technique, the result of many years of experience and research to achieve the right balance. This results in a unique texture not seen in other lacquerware products.
Selected works
