Lacquerware
At Momiji Creative Studio, lacquerware is created and finished by hand using natural urushi lacquer and established Japanese techniques.
Each piece reflects an ongoing exploration of Japanese lacquer craftsmanship and the distinctive qualities of this remarkable natural material.
Explore our collection of available and completed works below, or discover more about the history and craftsmanship of Japanese lacquerware.
Available Works
Lacquered Chasen Handle
£30
Each set includes a bamboo chasen with a hand-finished black urushi lacquer handle, featuring a subtly worn appearance with glimpses of the natural bamboo beneath. Cherry blossom petals are individually painted by hand using coloured urushi. Includes a chasen, chasen holder and chashaku (tea spoon).
Four remaining · GB shipping only · Postage additional
Each piece offered by Momiji Creative Studio is individually finished by hand using natural Japanese urushi lacquer.
Japanese lacquerware remains relatively unfamiliar in the UK, and its materials, characteristics and care requirements may differ from what customers are accustomed to. For this reason, we encourage anyone considering a purchase to learn a little about urushi and how to care for it.
This is particularly important when purchasing lacquerware as a gift. We recommend ensuring that the recipient understands and appreciates the nature of the material and the care it requires.
Our intention is not to encourage impulsive purchases, but for each piece to find an owner who genuinely values the craftsmanship involved and can enjoy it for many years.
For this reason, we do not operate an automated checkout. If you are interested in a piece, please contact us using the enquiry section below. We will be happy to answer any questions before proceeding with a purchase.
Please read our lacquerware care guide before purchasing.
A Note Before Purchasing
Lacquerware Enquiries
Interested in purchasing a piece of lacquerware or have a question about our work? Please email us with your enquiry.
For purchase enquiries, please specify which piece you're interested in. We encourage you to read our Lacquerware Care Guide before proceeding, particularly if you're unfamiliar with Japanese urushi lacquerware.
Please feel free to ask any questions about care requirements, availability or delivery.
What Is Lacquerware?
Japanese lacquerware, known as shikki (漆器), has a history stretching back thousands of years. It is created by applying natural urushi lacquer, obtained from the sap of the lacquer tree, to objects made from materials such as wood, bamboo and other suitable surfaces.
Urushi is applied in carefully prepared layers, each requiring time to cure under suitable temperature and humidity conditions. Once properly cured, it forms a durable, water-resistant surface with a distinctive depth, lustre and character.
Lacquerware has long been part of everyday Japanese life, from bowls, cups and trays to furniture, ceremonial objects and elaborate decorative works.
A Craft in Decline
Despite its long history, Japanese lacquerware has faced considerable challenges in the modern era.
The introduction of inexpensive, mass-produced alternatives, particularly plastics and synthetic coatings, transformed the market for everyday household objects. Changing lifestyles and consumer habits further reduced demand for handmade lacquerware.
The considerable time, skill and labour involved in working with urushi also make it difficult to compete with industrial production. Combined with an ageing workforce and a shortage of younger craftspeople entering the profession, these changes have placed many established lacquerware traditions under increasing pressure.
Nevertheless, dedicated artisans and workshops in Japan continue to practise, preserve and develop these remarkable techniques.
Why We Work with Urushi
At Momiji Creative Studio, we believe there is still a place for objects made slowly, thoughtfully and by hand.
In the pursuit of ever greater convenience and efficiency, we have gradually moved away from many practices that once brought patience, care and beauty into everyday life. While modern conveniences have their place, we believe something valuable can be lost when speed and practicality become our only priorities.
Working with urushi is our way of moving against this trend. It encourages us to slow down, appreciate the process and rediscover a sense of calm, patience and beauty in the objects we use every day.
Our work is an ongoing journey of learning and refinement, inspired by the craftsmanship and knowledge developed in Japan and elsewhere over generations.
By creating lacquerware and sharing an appreciation of its materials and techniques, we hope to encourage greater interest in a craft that deserves to be understood, appreciated and continued.
Momiji Creative Studio
Japanese Lacquerware & Kintsugi
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