Kishu Lacquerware - Shimayasu Hankogei Seisakujyo (Wakayama Prefecture)

Kishu Lacquerware Shimayasu Hankogei Seisakujyo (Wakayama Prefecture)

A desire to teach the current generation about lacquerware culture

A traditional craft in Wakayama, Kishu Lacquerware (also called kuroe-nuri) is known as one of the four main lacquerwares in Japan alongside the Echizen, Aizu-Nuri, and Yamaka-Nuri varieties. It is produced mainly in the northwestern Kuroe area of Kainan city. Shimayasu Hankogei Seisakujyo was established in 1916, operating initially as a finishing (painting) workshop for bowls, trays, and geta shoes. The history of Kishu lacquerware dates to the 13th century, influenced by the daily lacquerware furniture made by priests in Wakayama’s Negoroji temple, whose style of painting became a considerable influence. It is said that the first piece of Kishu lacquerware was the shibuchi bowl made by master Kizi Kishu in the Motomachi period. Under the patronage of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the Edo period, pieces were produced with even further improved quality. Old, traditional lacquerware is cumbersome to wash and handle, and is prohibitively expensive. There was a time when people were unaware of the term itself. With lacquerware culture at risk of disappearing if it could not directly appeal to present-day generations, the company created a series of tableware, bento lunch boxes, and interior design items that are adjusted to modern lifestyle and can be used in everyday life. The “Neo Japanesque 汎” series consists of modern pieces with a key bright white coloring, and traditional negoro-nuri style of painting. The “Njeco 汎” series consists of white cedar lacquerware from the Kumano world heritage site.

“Just trying to maintain the tradition isn’t enough to actually keep it alive, says fourth generation company head Taira Shima, who continues to manage the company using a corporate style that implements reforms to match the era. In the same way the Kishu lacquerware adapted through the ages, the company continues to move forward, pushing through various reforms and changes while protecting the tradition for the coming months and years.

Shimayasu Hankogei Seisakujyo Co., Ltd.

507-1 Ononaka, Kainan-shi, Wakayama
642-0022
Tel.073-482-3361
http://www.uruwashi-urushi.com

Possible to develop various original products by performing all the work processes in house.

Possible to develop various original products
by performing all the work processes in house.

Negoro lacquerware altered with new color combinations while using the traditional painting method from long ago.

Negoro lacquerware altered with new color combinations
while using the traditional painting method from long ago.

The expression of the painted lacquer changes with revolutionary technical improvements and developments.

The expression of the painted lacquer changes
with revolutionary technical improvements and developments.

Kishu Lacquerware - Shimayasu Hankogei Seisakujyo (Wakayama Prefecture)

PRODUCTS - 2019

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PRODUCTS - 2017

PRODUCTS - 2014

PRODUCTS - 2013