SUWARI MURAKUMO

Have you ever noticed the graceful motion of someone swirling a glass of wine or whiskey? “Swirling” is a technique used to aerate the drink, enhancing its aroma. Now, you can experience the joy of swirling with a new cup designed using traditional Yamanaka lacquerware techniques.

The New Cup from Yamanaka Lacquerware

This cup is crafted by hollowing out thick blocks of zelkova wood, making it naturally rise upright due to its weight. The bottom is rounded, causing the cup to sway gently for a while when placed down. This unique movement helps to enhance the aroma of your drink, much like swirling does.

Features of Yamanaka Lacquerware

Yamanaka lacquerware is renowned nationwide for its skilled woodturning techniques and the wiping lacquer finish that highlights the wood grain. As you use these items over time, they develop a refined luster, offering a sense of nurturing rather than just using.

The Future of Craftsmanship

Recently, the number of craftsmen and artisans has been declining due to aging and a lack of successors. Therefore, nurturing young lacquerware artisans is crucial. Embracing the concept of “nurturing,” efforts are being made to pass on these techniques to the next generation.

Murakumo-nuri Technique

The black patterns on the sides of the new cup are created using a unique technique called “Murakumo-nuri,” which utilizes soot from Japanese candles. By applying the soot before the lacquer hardens, the patterns resemble black clouds or flickering flames, resulting in a stunning finish.

Awards and Recognition

2020: Selected in the National Traditional Craft Exhibition
2021: Certified as a Good Ishikawa Brand Product

https://www.nhk.jp/p/ippin/ts/32MZQ6MXV8/episode/te/QZLZ8773V8/

The black pattern on the side is a rare technique called “Murakumo-nuri”　(Murakumo lacquerware), which uses soot from Japanese candles.
Soot from a Japanese candle is added before Japanese lacquer(Urushi) hardens to create a pattern reminiscent of black clouds and flickering flames.

1 叢雲塗の仕事〜山中漆器塗師清水一人さん〜 01:00 2 上塗りの仕事〜山中漆器塗師清水一人さん〜 01:00 3 漆下地の仕事〜山中漆器下地師田中昌宏さん〜 01:40 4 挽物の仕事〜山中漆器木地師久津見龍也さん〜 01:00

Currently, there is only one lacquerer in Yamanaka who is doing Murakumo lacquerware.
In order to improve this situation, we have started a human resource development project to train young learners to become lacquerer.