Kyo-shikki is a Kyoto lacquer craft nurtured alongside the court culture of Heian-kyo, characterized by "hon-katachi," a meticulous undercoating technique of applying lacquer in many layers to thin wooden bases, and by the beauty of maki-e, in which designs are drawn with gold and silver powder. Its origins are said to trace back to the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo in 794; the "makkinru" technique born in the Nara period was passed down in the Heian period and perfected as togidashi maki-e and hira maki-e. As tea ceremony culture spread, demand for tea utensils also grew, and refined designs were honed to meet the requests of court nobles, temples and shrines, and tea masters. It received national Traditional Craft designation in 1976, and is highly regarded for combining a profound, elegant appeal with the qualities of "wabi" and "sabi" not found in lacquerware from other production areas. A single vessel passes through many processes, from base-wood making to undercoating, final coating, and decoration, before completion.
Origin
The origins of Kyo-shikki are old, said to trace back to around the time of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo in 794. The "makkinru" technique of sprinkling gold powder onto lacquer to render designs was born in the Nara period and was passed down and developed further in the Heian period after the capital moved to Kyoto. Thereafter, maki-e techniques for rendering designs in gold and silver powder, such as togidashi maki-e and hira maki-e, were perfected, laying the foundation for lacquer craft used in furnishings for the court and for temples and shrines.
History
Kyo-shikki, whose foundations were laid in the Heian period, later developed alongside the spread of tea ceremony culture, with growing demand for tea utensils. The technique known as "hon-katachi," in which hemp cloth is pasted onto the wood base with lacquer and starch paste for reinforcement, followed by many layers of an undercoating material made by kneading powdered clay with lacquer, became established as the basic process supporting the quality of Kyo-shikki. In 1976 it received national Traditional Craft designation from the Minister of International Trade and Industry (now the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry), and the technique continues to be passed down today.
Features
The defining feature of Kyo-shikki lies in "hon-katachi," the most fundamental and labor-intensive process in lacquer craft, in which hemp cloth is pasted onto a thin wood base for reinforcement, followed by many layers of an undercoating made by kneading Yamashina clay powder with lacquer. Maki-e, in which designs are rendered in gold and silver powder, is often applied over layers of black or red lacquer, and the craft is highly regarded for combining a profound inner depth and elegance embodying "wabi" and "sabi" not found in lacquerware from other production areas.
Techniques
Hon-katachi
A technique in which hemp cloth is pasted onto a thin wood base with lacquer and starch paste for reinforcement, followed by many layers of an undercoating material kneaded from powdered clay and lacquer. Considered the most fundamental process supporting the quality of Kyo-shikki.
Maki-e
A decorative technique in which a design is drawn in lacquer, then gold or silver powder is sprinkled on before the lacquer dries so it adheres. Techniques developed since the Heian period, such as togidashi maki-e and hira maki-e, continue to be passed down.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Base-wood making
Wood such as horse chestnut is cut and shaped into the form of the vessel.
- 2
Undercoating (cloth reinforcement and edge finishing)
Hemp cloth is pasted on for reinforcement, and the edges are shaped with a putty made by kneading powdered clay with lacquer.
- 3
Mid-coating and final coating
Lacquer is applied evenly in layers and ground down, with the final layer finished to a glossy sheen.
- 4
Decoration
Designs are added using techniques such as maki-e and chinkin, using gold and silver powder and painting brushes.
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Artisans & Workshops
京漆匠 象彦
A long-established Kyoto lacquerware shop said to have been founded in 1661. The shop's name is said to derive from the title "Makie-shi" (maki-e master) granted to the third-generation Hikobei Nishimura by the imperial court in the early 19th century.
Official site →How to Buy
- 象彦 京都寺町本店
- A directly-run store carrying a wide range of items, from fine pieces decorated with maki-e to everyday tableware and gift accessories.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
京漆器蒔絵体験工房 蒔絵平野
京都市上京区寺之内通千本東入ル新猪熊町415
Reservation required. Under the guidance of a Traditional Craftsman, visitors can try a maki-e experience sprinkling gold powder onto a round tray (finished piece can be taken home the same day).