With each brushstroke and over time, the depth only deepens.

Nakajima Urushi Art is a lacquerware specialty store that has been passed down through generations since the Edo period. Currently located in Tsukudajima, the store is run by Yasuhide Nakajima, an active craftsman and the 11th generation owner. During the Edo period, it was customary for daimyo (feudal lords) families to prepare furniture and furnishings as part of a girl’s dowry when she reached around three years old. All of these items were finished as the finest quality products by lacquer craftsmen.
The lacquered furnishings have evolved with the times and changing demands, from furniture such as chests, drawers, and low tables to tableware, primarily tiered boxes and bowls. However, the craftsmanship and handwork of the artisans remain unchanged to this day.

The characteristics of lacquerware lie not only in its visual beauty but also in its high functionality, such as durability and preservative qualities. Applying lacquer prevents corrosion and extends the lifespan of the wood, which is why it is used on shrines, temples, and Buddhist statues. The lacquer application process is divided into stages called “undercoating,” “middle ground,” “middle coating,” and “top coating,” with layers being applied successively.
Each layer takes about three days to dry, so it’s not uncommon for the entire process to take around two months. However, lacquerware created by carefully applying high-quality lacquer multiple times has a unique elegance that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The depth that increases with the passing years is considered the greatest charm of lacquerware.

Urushigei Nakajima
1-4-1, Tsukuda, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0051
Tel:+81-3-3531-6868
Yasuhide Nakajima
info@urusigei-nakajima.com
https://www.urusigei-nakajima.com/