With its glossy surface and rich colors, Urushi lacquer has fascinated people since the olden days. The natural coating obtained from the sap of the Urushi tree, which can be a strong adhesive, is friendly to both people and the environment. Its origin dates back to Japan's Jomon period, over 9,000 years ago, when ancient Japanese first began gathering Urushi from Urushi trees for producing lacquerware. During the 17th century, due to the rapid improvement of Maki-e technique of applying gold and silver powders, Shikki lacquerware was used widely in daily life in Japan. Through the trade with Portugal and Holland, Shikki was first introduced to Europe. It is from these historic roots that it has come to be known as 'japan' or 'japanware' in English, different from the more familiar 'china' meaning Tojiki earthenware.

KIHACHI STUDIO :
Yamanaka in Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history date back over 400 years, is one of the four biggest centers of lacquerware, the others being Wajima, Aizu and Kishu. The special feature of Yamanaka lacquerware is the technique of producing unlacquered wooden base with a Rokuro, a electric wheel. KIHACHI STUDIO is the oldest manufacturer using domestic wood in the Yamanaka area, which was founded by second generation Kihachi. The sense of modern blended with traditional sentiments, Kihachi Studio's lacquerware has established a reputation among numerous of interior shops in Tokyo and abroad. Especially, 'Usuhiki-Bachi', an extremely thin bowl made by a skilled artisan, is a work of art with unsurpassed depth and exquisite beauty meant to be displayed like an ornament.