{"title":"Asada Lacquerware Studio","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"brand-story\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYamanaka Lacquerware／Asada Lacquerware Studio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eVessels that transform with every use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/8843\/7419\/files\/1_1.png?v=1763636066\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Asada Lacquerware Studio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLocated in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, Asada Lacquerware Studio is a workshop that carries out every stage of lacquerware production — from traditional woodturning (rokuro-biki) to lacquering — entirely by hand. Using domestically sourced wood, the studio creates approachable Yamanaka lacquerware designed to enrich daily life.\u003cbr\u003eTheir philosophy: “Through lacquerware, we hope people feel the warmth of wood.”\u003cbr\u003eBalancing tradition and modernity, Asada Lacquerware continues to explore new forms that fit contemporary lifestyles while remaining faithful to centuries-old techniques.\u003cbr\u003eThe story began when founder Kyosaku Asada learned woodturning skills in the village of Ouchi, Yamanaka Onsen, and began his path as a wood craftsman. After training ten apprentices, his eldest son Takao Asada succeeded him, and together with his brothers, contributed greatly to the development of Yamanaka lacquerware.\u003cbr\u003eIn 1977, Takao founded Asada Lacquerware Studio, establishing a legacy built on sincerity and mastery — preserving the harmony of material, technique, and beauty.\u003cbr\u003eAt Asada Lacquerware Studio, each piece begins with carefully shaped wood using Yamanaka’s distinctive rokuro (lathe) technique. Various finishing methods such as fuki-urushi (wiped lacquer), me-hajiki, and the rare murakumo-nuri (cloud lacquer) are applied to produce a wide range of expressions. The warmth of wood, the depth of lacquer, and the subtle transformation that occurs with continued use — all are imbued in each vessel.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSUWARI — The Gentle Sway of a Vessel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/8843\/7419\/files\/2_1.png?v=1763636066\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the studio’s signature creations is SUWARI.\u003cbr\u003eCarved thickly from a single block of zelkova wood, SUWARI is designed with a rounded base that gently rocks yet always returns upright by the weight of its own material.\u003cbr\u003eThe name SUWARI is inspired by swirling — the elegant motion of rotating a wine or whiskey glass to release its aroma. The vessel’s subtle, rhythmic movement evokes this graceful gesture.\u003cbr\u003eIts sides feature the exceptional murakumo-nuri technique, which uses soot from traditional Japanese candles (warousoku). By trapping the soot before the lacquer hardens, an ethereal pattern appears — resembling drifting clouds or flickering flames.\u003cbr\u003eEach time you use it, the appearance changes slightly.\u003cbr\u003eWhite pieces develop a gentle luster, while vermilion deepens into a richer, more profound red — a transformation that reflects the user’s daily life and care.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Yamanaka Lacquerware\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/8843\/7419\/files\/3_1.png?v=1763636066\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYour careful life nurtures the vessel’s beauty.\u003cbr\u003eIshikawa Prefecture is home to Japan’s three major lacquerware regions:\u003cbr\u003eWajima for its lacquering, Kanazawa for its maki-e (gold decoration), and Yamanaka for its exceptional woodturning craftsmanship.\u003cbr\u003eAmong them, Yamanaka lacquerware stands out for its soft tactile feel and beautiful wood grain — a true expression of Japanese living craft.\u003cbr\u003eIts defining feature lies in the technique known as “tategi-dori” (vertical wood cutting), where wood is carved along the grain’s direction.\u003cbr\u003eThis approach strengthens the piece and, though only a few vessels can be made from a single log, allows for both durability and delicate shaping. From this skill evolved Yamanaka’s unique techniques such as kashoku-biki (decorative turning) and usu-biki (thin turning).\u003cbr\u003eYamanaka’s iconic fuki-urushi method involves rubbing raw lacquer deep into the wood and wiping it off repeatedly, highlighting the natural beauty of the grain. Because lacquer reveals even the slightest irregularity in the surface, Yamanaka craftsmen forge their own planes (kanna), customizing each blade’s form and hardness to their individual touch. This delicate harmony of tool and hand gives Yamanaka lacquerware its distinctive character.\u003cbr\u003eOver time, the surface grows glossier, fits more naturally in the hand,\u003cbr\u003eand develops a beauty unique to each user.\u003cbr\u003eBorn from a sincere dialogue between craftsman and wood,\u003cbr\u003eYamanaka lacquerware is a craft that comes to completion through your life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"yamanaka-lacquerware-bowl-utsuroi-bowl","title":"Yamanaka Lacquerware Bowl | Utsuroi Bowl","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"95\" data-start=\"46\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"95\" data-start=\"46\"\u003eYour careful life nurtures the vessel’s beauty.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"348\" data-start=\"97\"\u003eHand-turned in \u003cstrong data-end=\"134\" data-start=\"112\"\u003eYamanaka, Ishikawa\u003c\/strong\u003e—Japan’s wood-turning capital—this bowl pairs a silky hand-feel with striking natural grain. It’s everyday tableware that quietly elevates your meals, from steamed rice and miso to fruit, desserts, and small sides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"372\" data-start=\"350\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"372\" data-start=\"350\"\u003eWhy you’ll love it\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1093\" data-start=\"373\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"497\" data-start=\"373\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"396\" data-start=\"375\"\u003eSoft, warm touch:\u003c\/strong\u003e The surface feels gentle in the hand—no metallic clatter, just calm, refined comfort at the table.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"641\" data-start=\"498\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"528\" data-start=\"500\"\u003eShows the wood’s beauty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Finished with \u003cstrong data-end=\"558\" data-start=\"543\"\u003efuki-urushi\u003c\/strong\u003e—raw lacquer rubbed in and wiped back—to highlight depth and figure in the grain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"806\" data-start=\"642\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"662\" data-start=\"644\"\u003eBuilt to last:\u003c\/strong\u003e Turned with \u003cstrong data-end=\"690\" data-start=\"675\"\u003etategi-dori\u003c\/strong\u003e (vertical wood cutting) for strength, then refined with \u003cstrong data-end=\"759\" data-start=\"747\"\u003eusu-biki\u003c\/strong\u003e (thin turning) for a light, elegant profile.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"940\" data-start=\"807\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"828\" data-start=\"809\"\u003eCraftsman-made:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yamanaka artisans tune their own planes (\u003cem data-end=\"877\" data-start=\"870\"\u003ekanna\u003c\/em\u003e) to achieve the flawless curves and smoothness you can feel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1093\" data-start=\"941\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"974\" data-start=\"943\"\u003eA bowl that grows with you:\u003c\/strong\u003e With use, the lacquer becomes \u003cstrong data-end=\"1017\" data-start=\"1005\"\u003eglossier\u003c\/strong\u003e and the piece settles more \u003cstrong data-end=\"1058\" data-start=\"1045\"\u003enaturally\u003c\/strong\u003e in your hand—patina unique to you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1109\" data-start=\"1095\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1109\" data-start=\"1095\"\u003eUse it for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1245\" data-start=\"1110\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1143\" data-start=\"1110\"\u003eRice, soups, and noodle sides\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1184\" data-start=\"1144\"\u003eSalads, yoghurt, fruit, and desserts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1245\" data-start=\"1185\"\u003eA considered gift—lasting, practical, and beautifully made\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Rakuda","offers":[{"title":"Small \/ Silky Pink Akane","offer_id":45826382233771,"sku":null,"price":7150.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Small \/ Cool Black","offer_id":45826382266539,"sku":null,"price":7150.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Silky Pink Akane","offer_id":45826382299307,"sku":null,"price":8580.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Cool Black","offer_id":45826382332075,"sku":null,"price":8580.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large \/ Silky Pink Akane","offer_id":45826382364843,"sku":null,"price":10010.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large \/ Cool Black","offer_id":45826382397611,"sku":null,"price":10010.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/8843\/7419\/files\/2025-11-0813.02.45.png?v=1762937373"},{"product_id":"yamanaka-lacquerware-cup-suwari-murakumo-lacquer","title":"Yamanaka Lacquerware Cup | SUWARI | Murakumo Lacquer","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"287\" data-start=\"58\"\u003eOne of the studio’s signature creations, \u003cstrong data-end=\"109\" data-start=\"99\"\u003eSUWARI\u003c\/strong\u003e is carved \u003cstrong data-end=\"160\" data-start=\"120\"\u003ethick from a single block of zelkova\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its \u003cstrong data-end=\"182\" data-start=\"166\"\u003erounded base\u003c\/strong\u003e rocks softly and then, by the weight of the wood itself, \u003cstrong data-end=\"259\" data-start=\"240\"\u003esettles upright\u003c\/strong\u003e—a quiet, reassuring motion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"492\" data-start=\"289\"\u003eThe name \u003cstrong data-end=\"308\" data-start=\"298\"\u003eSUWARI\u003c\/strong\u003e is inspired by \u003cstrong data-end=\"336\" data-start=\"324\"\u003eswirling\u003c\/strong\u003e: the elegant rotation of a wine or whisky glass to draw out its aroma. Held in the hand, the cup’s gentle, rhythmic movement recalls that graceful gesture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"759\" data-start=\"494\"\u003eAlong the sides, the \u003cstrong data-end=\"532\" data-start=\"515\"\u003emurakumo-nuri\u003c\/strong\u003e finish captures soot from traditional Japanese candles (\u003cem data-end=\"599\" data-start=\"589\"\u003ewarōsoku\u003c\/em\u003e) \u003cstrong data-end=\"633\" data-start=\"601\"\u003ejust before the lacquer sets\u003c\/strong\u003e. What appears is an \u003cstrong data-end=\"674\" data-start=\"654\"\u003eethereal pattern\u003c\/strong\u003e—like \u003cstrong data-end=\"699\" data-start=\"680\"\u003edrifting clouds\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong data-end=\"724\" data-start=\"703\"\u003eflickering flames\u003c\/strong\u003e—that changes subtly with each use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"806\" data-start=\"761\"\u003eOver time, the surface transforms with you:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"914\" data-start=\"807\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"850\" data-start=\"807\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"818\" data-start=\"809\"\u003eWhite\u003c\/strong\u003e develops a \u003cstrong data-end=\"847\" data-start=\"830\"\u003egentle lustre\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"914\" data-start=\"851\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"866\" data-start=\"853\"\u003eVermilion\u003c\/strong\u003e deepens into a \u003cstrong data-end=\"911\" data-start=\"882\"\u003ericher, more profound red\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Rakuda","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45826713583787,"sku":null,"price":17600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/8843\/7419\/files\/YS-AS-28_3.webp?v=1762937107"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/8843\/7419\/collections\/1_1.png?v=1763637333","url":"https:\/\/rakudajapan.com\/en-jp\/collections\/asada-lacquerware-studio.oembed","provider":"RAKUDA","version":"1.0","type":"link"}