KAGAWA LACQUERWARE
Refined elegance of Kagawa lacquerware,
expressed through 5 traditional techniques.
Kagawa lacquerware, produced primarily in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, is crafted through the art of lacquering. Designated as one of Japan's National Traditional Crafts in 1976, Kagawa lacquerware features distinct beauty in each piece, created through 5 traditional techniques: Kinma, Choshitsu, Zonsei, Goto-nuri, and Zoukoku-nuri. Prized for its smooth, refined feel and exquisite beauty, achieved through varied lacquering and carving techniques, Kagawa lacquerware grows in luster and is softer to the touch with use, while remaining lightweight, durable, and resistant to cracking. Kagawa lacquerware is renowned for its elegant confectionery dishes, trays, and small tables, perfectly harmonizing with traditional Japanese interiors. Recently, an increasing number of its pieces have been seamlessly brought together with glassware and ceramics. Kagawa lacquerware - a proud traditional craft of Kagawa - has attracted attention abroad for its versatile combinations and seamless integration into everyday life.
- Bringing Lacquerware Sought by Modern Desires to the World.
- Kota Matsumoto, a lacquer artist with over 30 years of experience, is known for his unique creations, including the "URUSHI MASK" and the "SANUKI URUSHI GUITAR," a remarkable fusion of lacquer art and music. "sanuki urushi Sinra," represented by Kota Matsumoto, brings together locally active lacquer artists to create new lacquerware that is free from conventional boundaries, all while remaining faithful to the traditional techniques of Kagawa lacquerware. Sinra's signature work, the "Ishiko" series, boasts exceptional durability and scratch resistance, even when used with metal cutlery such as forks and knives, due to the innovative "Ishiko- Nuri" technique. This technique of incorporating "Aji stone," a natural resource of Kagawa Prefecture, which is crushed, mixed with lacquer, and applied, creates a sturdy creation that enhances the durability of the lacquer coating. In the "Zoukoku" series, he has enhanced "Zoukoku-nuri" lacquerware by incorporating Aji stone powder. The relief patterns are crafted with stone powder and lacquer, then dusted with Makomo, a plant powder, creating a masterpiece that elegantly combines the textures of both stone and wood. Lacquerware has been created to seamlessly fit into the everyday lives of our modern desires, effortlessly complementing any setting.
Creator Introduction
Representative of sanuki urushi Sinra and lacquer artist
Kota Matsumoto
He was captivated by lacquer while a student enrolled in the Lacquer Art course at Takamatsu-Kougei High School and, after graduation, studied under Masami Isoi, a designated holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property. Participated in the "Maison de Urushi Project" at the Setouchi Triennale 2010. Founded "sanuki urushi Sinra" in 2012, an association of lacquer artists dedicated to creating lacquerware that harmonizes with contemporary design and lifestyles. The scratch-resistant Ishiko series is highly valued around the world. Now, he supports young lacquer artists while he also creates his very own "URUSHI MASK" and organizes and hosts special exhibitions.
Awards History
- 2006 Awarded Honorable Mention at the “Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition.”
- 2007 Awarded the Encouragement Prize from the Charitable Trust Otomaru Urushi Lacquerware Research Fund. 2009 Awarded the “Kagawa Prefecture New Artist Award for Culture and the Arts.”
- 2022 Awarded Honorable Mention at the 4th “MITSUI Golden Takumi Award.” Additionally, selected for numerous exhibitions.
sanuki urushi Sinra
- Address
- 3399 Hatada, Ayagawa-cho, Ayauta-gun, Kagawa Prefecture 761-2101
- TEL-FAX
- 087-810-1327
- Business Hours
- 10:00 to 17:00 (By reservation only)
Sales method
- Price
Ishiko Series
Bowl From JPY 8,800 (Size: Diameter 10,5 cm, Height: 5,8 cm, Weight: 70 g) Zoukoku Series
Cup From JPY 11,000 (Size: Diameter 9 cm, Height: 9 cm, Weight: 90 g) - Direct purchase available. (Cash only)
- Authorized Dealer: "sanuki urushi Sinra" Gallery, kitahama blue stories, Takamatsu Airport
- Custom orders available.
(Shipping costs vary depending on the work. Please inquire by phone or at the workshop.) - International shipping available.
Estimated delivery times and costs *As of January 2025
China, Korea and Taiwan 5 days or more, JPY 2,200 for up to 1 kg, JPY 4,400 for up to 3 kg
Oceania, Middle East and Europe 10 days or more, JPY 4,400 for up to 1 kg, JPY 8,800 for up to 3 kg
United States (including overseas territories such as Guam) 14 days or more, JPY 5,300 for up to 1 kg, JPY 10,300 for up to 3 kg
*Delivery times are estimates only and do not include customs dearance.
*Delivery times may vary and delays may occur due to shipping methods, customs clearance, and
local handling conditions. - Bulk orders welcome. (Maximum: Around 30 pieces)
- Workshop Experience: Not available
- Factory tours are available.
(Required time) 60 minutes(Fee) JPY 2,000
(Workshop details) Workshop tours, explanation of the 5 techniques of Kagawa lacquerware, and more. - Examples Adopted by "Ryotei Nicho" (Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture) and
"Anabukitei" (Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture).
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