Urushi Mirror

Product Description

Product Story

General Product Information

This piece is a masterpiece meticulously crafted by skilled lacquer artisans in Kyoto. It begins with carefully selected wood, shaped into a round form, upon which multiple layers of high-quality lacquer are applied. Each layer of lacquer is polished by hand, achieving a mirror-like, smooth finish that reflects light beautifully.

More than just a piece of interior decor, the glossy finish of this item allows it to serve as a practical mirror. Its unique beauty brings sophistication and serenity to any space, captivating those who see it. Symbolizing Kyoto craftsmanship, this item merges traditional Japanese aesthetic with contemporary lifestyles, making it a timeless favorite.

 Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：1300 years ago / 700AD / Yamato period in Japan

With the arrival of Buddhism in the 6th century, Buddhist altars began to be produced in Japan. As time progressed, investigations by Buddhists to outlaw Christianity led to the installation of butsudan (small shrine) in homes. This increased demand for butsudan led to further expansion of production of kyo-butsudan (Kyoto style Butsudan). Even today, the technology used to make butsudan is still being used to develop meticulous products.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Kohta Makino / Makino Urushi Design
Kohta Makino is the fourth generation of Makino Urushi Kogei, which has been in business for over 40 years.
He has been creating unprecedented lacquering techniques, saying, "I want to create a new look for lacquer by applying traditional techniques.
He is adapting to the changing needs of the times and opening up a new era of Urushi.

Craftsman Passion

”Combining traditional lacquering techniques with a new aesthetic sensibility”
Lacquer has been incorporated into the daily life of the Japanese people since ancient times as one of the finest natural paints.
Its use has become more sophisticated with the development of Japanese culture, producing not only everyday utilitarian items but also outstanding crafts that are unique in the world.
Inheriting this cultural lineage of Japanese lacquer, the company is involved in the production of a wide range of objects in which lacquer is used, from shrines and temples to contemporary art.

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Width：40cm
Depth：2.5cm
Height：40cm
Weight：2,000g

Material & Caution

Materials

Wood
Lacquer

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Delivery Date

Please note that it will take about three months for delivery if we do not have the item in stock.