Nakano Shikki

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Lacquerware from a city with 1500 years of history

Sabae, home to Nakano Shikki, is renowned for production of Echizen lacquerware, it’s history dating back 1500 years ago. Lacquerware industry is deeply rooted in the area, and it was natural for Hiroshi Nakano, the founder of Nakano Shikki, to enter the lacquerware trade and eventually start his own business. Nakano initially started with handling certain parts of the whole coating process.

Today, about 90% of the domestic market for commercial lacquerware is occupied by Echizen lacquerware. However, the demand for lacquerware has gradually declined, overshadowed by Western and other tablewares.

Responding to lifestyle changes

In the 1960s, the third-generation president, Shōzō Nakano realized the limit of only being a craftsman and started to expand the business paths. He noticed the growing trend among young women to learn flower arrangement and tea ceremony before their marriage. Nakano Shikki thus shifted its focus on manufacturing tea ceremony utensils and also started wholesale in addition to production.

In 2019, Yoshiyuki Nakano succeeded the business. He grew up around lacquerwares and helped wrap the products during summer vacations from a young age, so it was natural to take over the family business.

Yoshiyuki Nakano's first job as an adult was to learn the "Ikkanbari" technique, a method involving covering the base with Japanese paper and coating it with lacquer, giving it a unique texture. Nakano learned the technique at a workshop in Kanazawa specializing in Ikkanbari. Only about a dozen of craftsmen nationwide were skilled in this technique.

“Try everything"

Over time, the custom of learning tea ceremony before marriage has declined. Understanding the changing market needs and creating fitting products were the urgent tasks. Nakano appointed a sales representative, which was unusual for this industry. Nakano himself also took on a triple role as a manager, craftsman, and salesman.

Nakano's motto is "Try everything." It will be exciting to see the world of lacquerware Nakano brings to us with his triple expertise as manager, craftsman, and salesman.

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President Yoshiyuki Nakano

Our goal is to bring lacquerware into everyday life. Traditional lacquerware is designed to be used with Japanese cuisine. If we want to use them with Chinese and Western cuisine with generous use of oil, or use them in microwaves and dishwashers, we need to develop lacquerware that fits for these uses.

We handle various methods, from traditional lacquer coating on wooden products to resin lacquerware and urethane coatings. We explore the best coating techniques for tablewares for everyday use. I think only a few workshops can manage all the coating methods.

Different materials such as ceramics or stainless steel, require different coating processes so that's the challenge. Our team of nine craftsmen is constantly pursuing ways to best apply lacquer, and keep exploring what looks good with lacquer.

One of our recent products is "POKETLE," drinking bottles in various sizes designed by DESIGN WORKS AINCENT. When we saw the 120ml (4oz) and 180ml(6oz) bottles, we knew they were perfect for lacquer coating. This inspired the creation of our collaboration product, URUSHI POKETLE.

The coating adds the rich texture of Echizen lacquer, and is also functional in keeping drinks warm and cool, making it perfect for daily use. We believe this product embodies our philosophy of bringing lacquerware culture into everyday life. The lacquer coating can be repaired if it wears off or shows scratches over time.

We continue to create lacquerware products for modern everyday life. We invite you to our workshop in Fukui and experience the new lacquerware culture.