Yamanaka Shikki

Stripes cut on the lathe

Yamanaka Shikki is admired for kashoku-biki, decoration cut on the lathe itself: sensuji, rows of extremely fine stripes, and zogan inlay. Bowls with raised gold maki-e, called taka-makie, are another signature. It is made in Kaga in Ishikawa, around Yamanaka Onsen, as trays, tea saucers, stacked boxes and tea ware, often in a classic style with a modern touch.

Wood cut with the grain

To reduce warping, the wood is cut along the length of the trunk before it is turned on the lathe. A base made with jinoko powder is followed by red or black top coats and decoration such as taka-makie. Pieces that show off the turned lines are often finished in rubbed-in suri-urushi instead. Each step is done by a different specialist.

Grown with the hot spring

Yamanaka Shikki began in the late 16th century, when groups of woodturners moved upriver in search of good timber. Their skills took root around Yamanaka Onsen, and by the mid-Edo period they made bowls, trays and toy souvenirs for hot spring guests. In the early 19th century lacquer and maki-e techniques arrived, laying the foundation for today's Yamanaka taka-makie.