Kyoto Handicraft Center | Official Site for Japanese Crafts, Workshops & Cultural Experiences

Japanese lacquerware (shikki) is a centuries-old craft celebrated for its exquisite beauty, durability, and refined artistry. At Kyoto Handicraft Center, we offer an exceptional collection of authentic lacquerware, including pieces adorned with raden—a traditional decorative technique that inlays delicate mother-of-pearl into the lacquer surface.

 

The process of applying lacquer involves multiple layers of natural sap from the lacquer tree, carefully polished to achieve a deep, glossy finish. Raden adds an extraordinary dimension to this art, using thin slices of iridescent shell, meticulously shaped and embedded to create shimmering patterns that catch the light and evoke nature’s subtle beauty.

Our collection features bowls, trays, boxes, and tableware showcasing various regional styles and decorative techniques. The intricate maki-e designs—created with gold and silver powders—often combine beautifully with raden inlays to produce elegant, luminous compositions.

 

Beyond functionality, lacquerware with raden embodies a harmonious blend of nature, craftsmanship, and cultural symbolism. Whether gracing a formal tea ceremony or elevating everyday dining, these works bring timeless sophistication and serenity to your living space.

 

Discover Kyoto’s lacquerware tradition, where artistry and nature meet in perfect harmony.