Learn Traditional Tableware Lacquering from a Craft Master of Kamakura-bori Lacquerware

A Kamakura-bori Master’s Workshop

For about 150 years beginning at the end of the 12th Century, Kamakura was the seat of political power in Japan, home to the Kamakura Shogunate (i.e. samurai government). Zen Buddhism, which had recently reached Japan from China, spread in influence among the samurai class during this time. As a result, Zen temples proliferated in Kamakura, which in turn attracted a large base of carpenters and sculptors working in the construction and furnishing of these temples. The lacquerware tradition of Kamakura-bori began in this milieu, emulating Chinese craft work and innovating on it as a combined wood carving-and-lacquering technique. It melded bold and striking statuework with the smooth supple warmth of lacquered surfaces.

Vermillion (left) and translucent tame-nuri (right), both available as exterior finish options in this experience

Oka’s studio Tokizo Kobo is nestled in the quiet neighborhoods of Mount Kamakura, far from the din of the central area around Kamakura Station, which is packed with tourist draws. In the tranquility of this sanctuary – from which even Mount Fuji is visible on clear days – the master creates a variety of lacquerware.

Tokizo Kobo studio, nestled in the quiet neighborhoods of Mount Kamakura

Although specializing in Kamakura-bori, Tokizo Kobo does a variety of lacquer work, including finishes for home furnishings. As a top tier studio of high renown, they handle antique furniture restoration orders as part of historical building restoration projects as well. The studio also holds classes for the general public on lacquering and on the famous dish repair and enhancement art of kintsugi, which uses lacquer as an adhesive.

The first floor workshop, a bright space filled with natural light

Depending on the day of the week, the experience venue varies. The first floor workshop is available on Sunday afternoons and the last week of each month. The rest of the time, participants will do their lacquer work in the second floor atelier.

A Master Craftsman, Carrying on Proud Traditions while Exploring Innovative New Possibilities for Lacquerware

Oka’s love for craft work goes way back to before he had even enrolled in his Kamakura-bori vocational school. He didn’t stop at graduation, moving next into an apprenticeship and eventually working his way up to founding Tokizo Kobo as his independent studio. Ever driven, Oka continued to develop his technique, eventually gaining official recognition as a full-fledged master in the traditional techniques of Kamakura-bori.

Hideo Oka, recipient of the Kamakura City Skilled Craft Excellence Award

Lacquer has been used since ancient times as a varnish and an adhesive, prized for its antibacterial, antiseptic, and insect repellent properties. In the modern age, it has become a specialty material whose production volume is dwindling year by year. Despite its increasingly limited supply and consequent high cost, Oka uses only genuine natural lacquer. “Lacquer has all sorts of practical benefits,” says Oka, “but beyond that it also has an incredible range of expressiveness depending on application, technique, and even the season. There is a depth to it whose charm hasn’t worn off even after working with it for 40 years.”

Natural lacquer as used in the experience – a precious substance whose available supply dwindles by the year

Let a Master Craftsman Guide You through the Historical and Technical Culture of Lacquer and Lacquerware

The experience begins with a talk from Oka introducing the history of lacquer in Japan, starting with the earliest known evidence for its usage – in archaeological tomb artifacts dating back a staggering nine thousand years. Discovering this history and the unique aspects of lacquer will only whet your appetite for the rest of the experience to come. 

Lacquered wood exhibits improved strength and antimicrobial properties

Oka moves next to a rundown of the details and steps of the experience itself. Genuine natural lacquer is very different from other coating materials such as varnish, resin, or paint. Direct contact with raw natural lacquer causes skin irritation and rashes, so great care is a must when working with it in this experience. 

When the talk on theory is done, the time has come for real application

Finishing a Wooden Bowl, Cornerstone of Tableware in Japanese Cuisine

According to Oka, a lacquered wooden bowl goes through a 25-step process lasting more than a month before it is finished. An undercoat improves the strength and quality of the underlying wooden dish, and a topcoat gives the top surface its gorgeous finish. This plan covers only the final stage, in which the inside surface of the bowl is sanded and lacquered – meaning you’ll be able to take your finished piece home with you on the day.

Gently prep the multilayered inner surface of the bowl with sandpaper

Sanding is the first step in this experience, giving the inner surface a coarse grain that ensures the lacquer will fully adhere to it. Dampen this full inner surface of the glossy lacquered bowl with water before sanding it thoroughly.

Always wear protective rubber gloves when working with raw lacquer to avoid direct contact with skin

After sanding, remove all grit and dust from the surface with a special cloth before moving onto the actual coating. Note Oka’s demonstration of proper brush grip, lacquer volume, pressure, and stroke. Brush slowly from the bottom of the bowl to apply your coat of lacquer over the entire surface, then smooth it out evenly. Oka will be by your side for the entire process so you can ask any questions that arise.

A fresh lacquered bowl, whose coat is still setting in

The Joy of a Unique Custom Bowl in Your Choice of Color

Vermillion red and translucent tame-nuri finishes are available for the outside of your bowl, selected in advance at the time of reservation. Inner finish selection can be made on the day from vermillion red, black, brown, red ochre, green, blue, and deep reddish-black. One of the joys of lacquer work is watching the hues gradually soften from fresh application to final setting.

Mix your choice of pigment into your lacquer before applying it

Lacquer begins as a liquid, but exposure to high temperature and humidity triggers enzymes in it to undergo a chemical transformation that results in it hardening into a solid. Your finished work will be packed in a special finishing box for you to take home. After a week in the box, your lacquer coat will set and your beautiful finished bowl will be ready to use.

View samples before choosing the inner color of your bowl on the day of the experience

As an optional add-on, you can also try your hand at creating a pair of lacquered chopsticks (additional fee applies). Cut, sand, and lacquer them, using a simplified cloth-rubbing technique. Since a brush is not required for this technique, it is easier work than the wooden bowl. Why not turn your handmade custom bowl into a handmade custom set?

Lacquered chopsticks are not only durable, but they also exhibit antimicrobial properties

Additional professionally-finished bowls are available for pre-order. Why not pick some up to match your own as a souvenir for the people close to you?

All high quality lacquerware bowls undergo the full process of repeated treating and coating with lacquer

Tableware that has undergone these high quality traditional lacquer coating processes has in the Western world since the 17th century been said to be “japanned.” The high quality lacquerware produced is still today known to connoisseurs as “Japanware.” Discover the unique luster, color, and warmth of the wooden tableware that has borne the pride of a nation in its name for over three centuries. You’re sure to delight in this rare opportunity to delve into a quintessentially Japanese craft and appreciate the time and skill that goes into using natural biological materials like wood and lacquer to create such highly polished final finished products.