In the Fukui Prefecture, particularly around Sabae City, the lacquerware produced is known as "Echizen lacquerware." It is characterized by its elegant luster and splendor, with origins tracing back approximately 1,500 years. The manufacturing process requires advanced skills at each stage, often passed down as a family business.
Shitsurindo Co., Ltd. is one of the workshops that has been involved in producing Echizen lacquerware as a traditional lacquer workshop for generations. With a history spanning over 200 years, it continues to connect the tradition of Echizen lacquerware.
This time, we talked to Toru Uchida about the founding of the company, its reasons for creating modern lacquerware, and the manufacturing process of Echizen lacquerware.
PROFILE
Toru Uchida
Born in 1976 in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture
After graduating from university, he joined the family business of lacquerware that has continued for seven generations, learning the basics and painting techniques of lacquerware from his grandfather and father.
He became the youngest traditional craftsman in the region in 2012 and launched his own brand aimed at the younger generation. In 2019, he was appointed as the 8th generation representative of Shitsurindo.
He is involved in training young craftsmen while also promoting regional industrial tourism, all while inheriting the art of lacquer painting.
Pride in Craftsmanship
Could you tell us about the founding of your company?
Our company was established in 1793. The Uchida family, the founders of Shitsurindo, has traditionally been engaged in the collection of lacquer raw materials, known as "漆掻き", and the fourth generation head began the lacquer painting business. I, being the eighth generation, now carry on the time-honored techniques of lacquer painting.In addition to manufacturing lacquerware for general households, we also produce professional lacquerware used in inns and restaurants.
Moreover, we also repair bowls, such as those for kintsugi, and have been responsible for restoring the lacquerware called "Oryoki (応量器)" used by monks at the Soto Zen sect's head temple, Eiheiji.
Since we are creating utensils that will be used by someone, I carefully engage in craftsmanship, imagining a warm dining table filled with delightful conversations, adorned with delicious hot dishes.
It seems that your lacquerware for general households is designed with modern colors and functionality in mind.
We started making colorful lacquerware because we want it to be embraced by younger generations. Traditionally, lacquerware is often passed down through generations, but in Japan, as nuclear families become more common and the number of single-person households rises, it has become increasingly challenging to reach younger users. The question is, "How can we get young people to pick it up?"Therefore, our company began creating lacquerware that incorporates colorful lacquers, allowing people to envision various dishes beautifully presented. Now, younger individuals are starting to take interest, and we've received great feedback from those who regularly use lacquerware, saying, "This is the kind of lacquerware I wanted to try!"
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