Traditional lacquerware Nawate fountain pen foil scattering

Lid with striated molding

Yoshida Urushi is a lacquer workshop in Aizuwakamatsu that has been in operation for three generations.
The "Nawate Fountain Pen: Traditional Lacquer Crafts" was born when Yoshida Toru, a lacquer craftsman who, without being limited to the techniques of Aizu lacquer, creates works while considering shapes and techniques that suit the purpose of the vessel, considered shapes and techniques that suit fountain pens. The lines extending from the lid create a vertical visual effect, and the shape is designed to provide stability when opening and closing the lid by the grip of the fingers when holding it, making it a true example of functional beauty.

Characteristics and history of Aizu lacquer

Aizu lacquerware is a craft made using traditional techniques that have been handed down since the Edo period in the Aizu region, located in the western part of Fukushima Prefecture.
The humid climate characteristic of the basin was ideal for working with lacquer.
They feature auspicious designs and a variety of beautiful decorations.
The history of Aizu lacquerware as an industry began in 1590 (Tensho 18) when Gamo Ujisato was appointed to the Aizu domain.
Due to its proximity to Edo, it became a major production area that handled the entire process, from cultivating lacquer trees to decorating, and also engaged in technological innovation, to the point where lacquer was being exported overseas by the end of the Edo period.

[String formation + foil scattering process]
① Allow the undercoat base and lacquer to blend together.
② Sharpening ③ Making lines (raising with base coat)
⑤ Painting ⑥ Washi paper covering (pasting washi paper over the entire surface with lacquer)
Applying a base layer makes the surface weaker in terms of resistance to impact, but creating a skin with the entangled fibers of the washi paper has the effect of making the surface stronger.
⑦ Hardening (allowing the washi paper to absorb the lacquer and harden it)
⑧The black (gray) parts of the black and silver foil background are smoked silver foil.
The smoking process is uneven, and by applying these unevenness randomly to the front and back, the base also has a unique character.
Scatter foil over the top.
⑨ Scattered foil ⑩ Urushi lacquer finish × 2
⑪Complete

Lacquer Craftsman Toru Yoshida
Born in Aizuwakamatsu in 1968
1987: Joined the family lacquer workshop
1993: Studied under Mr. Sato Senro in Kiso, Nagano
1996: Became independent in Aizuwakamatsu
2002: Certified traditional craftsman
First solo exhibition in 2004. Since then, he has held multiple solo and group exhibitions.