Rankaku Maki-e Box
Rankaku Maki-e Box
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Experience the masterful artistry of the Rankaku Maki-e Box, crafted in the historic city of Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Each box is meticulously handmade by Yoshikawa-san, who employs authentic togi-dashi and maki-e techniques - a harmonious blend of pure gold powder, abalone shell inlay, and the exceptionally rare eggshell maki-e method. Throughout every stage of production, only genuine urushi lacquer and pure gold are used, never substitutes, reflecting a profound commitment to traditional Japanese quality and craftsmanship.
From the very first steps, the artist reinforces the wooden base with linen, then gradually builds up multiple layers of lustrous lacquer, preparing the canvas for intricate decoration. The surface is adorned using maki-e, where gold powder is artfully sprinkled onto lacquered designs, and then polished through up to thirty detailed stages in the demanding togi-dashi and maki-e process. Delicate motifs emerge, enhanced by the unique texture and vivid white contrasts of eggshell maki-e, resulting in patterns of striking beauty and complexity.
Each tiny fragment of eggshell and piece of abalone shell is individually selected and set with remarkable patience, adding depth, brilliance, and a tactile presence to the finished piece. The creation of one box can take three to six months, making each work both rare and precious - a blend of material excellence, technical mastery, and heartfelt devotion.
With dimensions of 20 cm × 15 cm × 11.8 cm and three inner compartments, this box is as functional as it is beautiful. It stands as a signature of Yoshikawa-san's lifelong dedication, waiting to hold treasures and tell its silent, shimmering story to collectors and admirers of Japanese 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.