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Kazuyuki Yoshikawa

Rankaku Maki-e Box

Rankaku Maki-e Box

Regular price $3,023.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $3,023.00 USD
Sale Sold out

This beautifully crafted lacquered box is a masterpiece of Japanese artistry, originating from the historic city of Takaoka in Toyama Prefecture. It features authentic togi-dashi maki-e techniques, showcasing a harmonious blend of pure gold powder, abalone shell inlay, and the rare and extremely delicate eggshell maki-e method, hand-applied by Yoshikawa-san at his workshop in Takaoka.

Every stage of production, from the base layers to the final finish, uses genuine urushi lacquer, reflecting a deep commitment to quality and tradition. The use of eggshell maki-e not only adds a unique texture but also allows for the expression of intricate, delicate designs, resulting in a striking contrast of fine cracks and vivid white tones that define the box’s aesthetic.

With dimensions of 20 cm × 15 cm × 11.8 cm and divided into three inner compartments, this box is both a functional item and a work of art, a striking expression of Yoshikawa-san's dedication to his craft.

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Care Instructions

  • Gently wipe away fingerprints and smudges using a soft, clean cloth.
  • Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or ultraviolet rays, as they may damage the lacquer finish.

Shipping & Returns

  • Product ships from Japan via EMS priority shipping.
  • All sales are final. In the case of any damage in transit, we are happy to replace the product free of charge.
  • Thoughts

    I felt a sense of crisis: will my father's skills be lost and will these tools be thrown away? And a sense of mission to carry on my father's skills began to grow.​

    I feel that the charm of maki-e is that it shows various expressions depending on how the light hits it and the angle from which you view it, and I am attracted to its depth and diversity.

  • Techniques

    Among the lacquer decorations, I specialize in maki-e lacquer inlay work, and I create a variety of pictures using gold, silver, and abalone.​ As lacquer does not have a white color, I incorporate a technique called 'eggshell painting' that uses quail eggshells.

    This technique is not only suitable for expressing color using the white of eggs, but also for using cracks to express an ephemeral texture.​ Furthermore, when creating my pieces, I often work late at night to avoid the effects of dust and wind.

  • Future

    While continuing to hone my skills as a maki-e artist, I also focus on activities that look to the future of traditional industries.​

    As the 46th chairman of the Takaoka Traditional Industry Youth Association, I work to address the issue of a shortage of people to carry on traditional industries by interacting with other production areas and exchanging techniques.​

    I also promote the appeal of Takaoka's craftsmanship through ongoing events that can be attended by people of all ages, from the young to the older generation.

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