Kyoto Craft Through Urushi
From the forest to people, people to lifestyle - urushi invites you on a journey.
Urushi, natural lacquer made from the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree has more than 10,000 years of history in Japan. On this journey learn about the Asagi-wan project, which aims to revive the lacquered bowl once used by the citizens of Kyoto, and with it pass on the skills and knowledge regarding urushi to the next generation.
The Asagi-wan bowl is a craft object that uses raw materials grown in Kyoto’s forests and crafted by artisans in Kyoto city.
It fits snuggly in your hands, letting you notice what has become difficult to see, the connection between nature and humans, and between people and things.
On the Kyoto craft through Urushi journey you’ll visit where urushi and cypress is cultivated, the Forest of Craft in Keihoku which supplies Kyoto’s forest resources, visit the workshops of woodturners and urushi craftspeople, from the production of the raw materials, to making and using and repair which has continued since the Heian period.
Explore the lifestyle culture and history of the forest and the city.
In an environment where the forests that raise the raw materials, the craftspeople who shape the wood, and the urushi workshop, the machiya where the Asagi-wan bowls are in close proximity, you can experience making and culture rooted in the the nature, history and culture of the region.
Enter the forest, visit the workshops, and make a one-of-a-kind bowl with your own hands alongside a craftsperson.
Experience the wisdom that transcends learning by being immersed in the making ecosystem through making an Asagi-wan bowl.
Kyoto is a city where the history of various eras still remain, built up like layers.
While spending time in this city where the natural conditions are rooted in the culture, grasp the present as a grand historical flow and think about the future as you place yourself in this flow.
In traditional craft using natural materials, there’s no manual.
Where no two materials are the same, each piece is made in accordance to various needs.
From those skills you can feel a kind of timeless value.
In this age where industrial production dominates, in Kyoto some have begun the challenge to create a new meaning for craft for the lifestyles of the next generation.
There, you can experience new trends in craftsmanship.
EXPERTS
Keikou Nishimura III
After studying under Hyousaku Suzuki III, Kei (1966-) trained later under his father, Keikou II. In 2008 he succeeded the name as Keikou Nishimura III.
From tea ceremony tools, to serving ware, bentwood and other artworks, his work is wide-ranging. He draws much of his inspiration from the region of Kyoto.
Keikou’s works are born out of conversations with the materials, wood and urushi, and with people. In them there is no ego, the voice of the materials is centered.
Sachiko Takamuro
Co-founder of Perspective
Exploring a world where the ecosystems of the forest and craftsmanship are connected. Working to share the joy, possibilities and responsibilities of making to the next generation of people who will continue to be involved with objects, through a variety of content as well as educational programs and tours.
Director for Forest of Craft, a project which raises awareness of the cycle of nature as the origin of craft, and the fab lab in the forest, Fab Village Keihoku.
Takuya Tsutsumi
Co-founder of Perspective
Fourth generation of a urushi refinery that dates back to the Meiji period.
Thinking that urushi, this natural, sustainable material with over 10,000 years of history being used in Japan should be carried on to the next generation, he began developing ways to incorporate urushi into the lives of the children of the next generation.
Through BMX bikes and skateboards, he’s creating new ways to discover urushi. In 2023 he started the wooden surfboard brand Siita.
Mamoru Tonoshita
Born, raised and currently living in Yamaguni in Keihoku.
His perspective is informed by his 40~50 years experience in forestry, mountain climbing and forest ecology.
Participant Feedback
京都の工藝をめぐる「漆」編、参加申し込みスタート！
もし今回ならではの魅力があれば入れる。
宿泊施設・食事は変わるだろう。詳細はENTRY先（Peatix）のページで。
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Members of in InterConnected Arts/Japan will receive information about tours before they are open to the public.
We also offer a video sharing the making process of the trip, as well as a call for member-only monitoring tours.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please register here.
*The membership program is currently at capacity.
We will continue to work with our journey collaborators to open up to more participants.
If you are interested you can join the waiting list.
