The history of traditional Japanese crafts is inextricably bound to the story of lacquer. Archaeologists in Japan have discovered urushi-coated ornaments dating back over 9,000 years to the prehistoric Jomon period. Originally used for its practical, waterproof, and adhesive qualities to reinforce hunting weapons, it didn't take long for early communities to notice its incredible preservative power. By the time Kyoto became the imperial capital in 794 AD, Kyoto lacquerware had evolved from a survival tool into an ultimate symbol of courtly refinement and religious devotion.
ISUKE LACQUER BOX
A Kyoto lacquer box inspired by 190 years of Japanese heritage
Shop This Japanese Lacquer BoxDuring the Heian and Muromachi periods, lacquerware design reached extraordinary aesthetic heights. Master artisans developed delicate decoration techniques to satisfy the opulent tastes of court nobles and samurai commanders. This was the era when the iconic maki-e lacquer—the art of sprinkling gold or silver powder onto wet lacquer—was perfected. These radiant, glistening objects captured the fleeting beauty of nature, mapping a distinctly Japanese worldview onto everyday items like writing desks, tea caddies, and cosmetic boxes.
By the 17th century, when European traders arrived in Japan, they were so enchanted by these glossy dark treasures that the objects simply became known in Britain as "Japanware," mirroring how porcelain was called "china." European monarchs and aristocrats avidly collected these exotic handcrafted luxury gifts, displaying them prominently in their stately homes. When you run your fingers across a piece from our collection today, you are connecting directly with that grand global heritage. You are holding a lineage preserved through generations of unbroken apprenticeship, carried gracefully into the 21st century.
ISUKE LACQUER BOX
A Kyoto lacquer box inspired by 190 years of Japanese heritage
Shop This Japanese Lacquer Box
