The beauty of Urushi (Japanese lacquer), nurtured by artisan skill and the passage of time
As for Yukyu Jinro, each piece is lacquered by hand in a Kyoto workshop.
By fusing traditional Japanese craftsmanship—honed over centuries—with precision-engineered metalwork, we imbue our products with a warmth absent in mass-produced industrial goods, creating the rich, expressive character unique to fine craft.
Urushi is a natural coating derived from the refined sap of trees belonging to the Toxicodendron genus (of the Anacardiaceae family). Its history dates back to the Jomon period; artifacts featuring lacquer have been discovered at sites from approximately 9,000 years ago.
Few coating techniques in the world have been passed down for such a long time. Throughout history, the Japanese people have utilized lacquer in various aspects of daily life and culture, applying it to vessels, furniture, weaponry, Buddhist ritual items, and the architecture of temples and shrines.
The reason Urushi has endured to the present day lies in more than just its beauty.
It possesses the unique property of hardening slowly by absorbing moisture from the air, resulting in exceptional durability, water resistance, and resistance to decay. Properly Japanese lacquerware is said to last for over a century; its luster deepens with the passage of time, and its character evolves alongside the user.
This "beauty that grows with age"—something unattainable through mass production—is a defining charm of lacquer as a natural material.
The lacquering process is not completed in a single application.
The base is carefully prepared, a thin layer of lacquer is applied, and the piece is dried in a specialized chamber where temperature and humidity are strictly controlled. Afterward, the surface is polished, and another layer of lacquer is applied. Repeating this process multiple times creates a deep, translucent luster and a smooth, tactile texture that feels almost as if it clings to the touch.
Because even the slightest variations—such as the movement of the brush, the condition of the lacquer, or the day's temperature and humidity—can influence the final result, a beautiful lacquer finish relies on years of experience and a refined, delicate sensibility.
Industry shapes the form; craftsmanship breathes in the soul.
We have fused these traditional techniques with modern precision machining.
Metal components machined to micron-level accuracy deliver exceptional precision and functionality. Meanwhile, the lacquer finish is applied by hand to each individual piece, creating subtle, unique variations in character.
The uniformity pursued by industry and the one-of-a-kind individuality nurtured by craftsmanship—
We believe that the harmony of these two elements creates a new kind of value that transcends mere functionality.
We chose Urushi for reasons beyond its beautiful finish.
Japan is home to many workshops and artisans possessing world-class skills whose appeal remains insufficiently recognized.
Connecting these techniques to modern products, creating new value, and passing these traditions on to the future is a core part of Yukyu Jinro’s mission.
Because these are tools you hold every day, we want you to experience authentic materials and genuine craftsmanship. The artisan’s skill and dedication infused into each piece imbue the metal with a quiet sense of life; as the tool ages alongside its user, its beauty only deepens.
Industry shapes the form; craftsmanship breathes in the soul.
Yukyu Jinro aspires to be the place where these two worlds meet.