Aomori Fugabun Lacquerware
The Tsugaru region of Aomori, famous for producing lacquerware in Japan, is a cold region where lacquer is difficult to work with. Through long-standing training, a unique lacquerware style was developed, in which multiple layers of lacquer are applied.
Variegated lacquerware is expressed using lacquer painting, and there are two main types: lacquerware that uses lacquer and other materials (such as mother-of-pearl, gold and silver powder, and plant ingredients such as rice husks) to create unique expressions, and lacquerware that uses multiple layers of lacquer to create the look of lacquer alone.
Among these, the technique of togidashi-wari-nuri, in which dozens of coats of lacquer are applied, creates a sturdy lacquerware, and the unparalleled expressiveness of the layered lacquerware is a distinctive feature of Tsugaru lacquerware.
The Fugabun lacquer applied to this product was created by Shimamori Hirokazu through his creative ingenuity and unique application of Tsugaru Togidashi Variegated Lacquer, and is a work that combines the characteristics of the two types of lacquer painting mentioned above.
By applying layers of lacquer dozens of times, including undercoating, placing lacquer, overcoating, sprinkling powder, and hardening, various styles emerge from the overlapping layers of lacquer, and by polishing this, an elegant appearance is created.
It is an exquisite and tasteful piece of lacquer art with a gentle, rich and elegant texture that expresses the refined sensibility that flows through the hearts of Japanese people, combining modesty and sophistication.
■Packaging made with care for Japanese products Paulownia wood boxes are made from finely grained, high-quality Japanese paulownia wood, which is said to be the most suitable material for storing lacquerware. The strings used for the ties are made from Sanada strings, which are durable and resistant to stretching.
The bags are made by cutting fabric from unraveled silk kimonos, and each one is handcrafted, even down to the claws.
It feels nice to the touch and is suitable for storing fountain pens.
Creative lacquer artist Shimamori Born in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. Graduated from the Craft Design and Metalwork Department at university, and won an award for excellence at the graduation exhibition. Graduated from the Tsugaru Lacquer Technology Training Center (Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture).
Won the Excellence Award at the Tsugaru Lacquer Exhibition.
In 2011, in pursuit of the potential of time-honored traditions, he launched his original brand "LANDPROTECTO" to enhance the value of traditional crafts that combine lacquer art and metalworking, which are full of creativity and sensitivity.
Since then, he has exhibited his work in numerous exhibitions and special exhibitions, which have been well received.
