Japanese Urushi Oval Lunch Box The washi paper is dyed

The washi paper is dyed using a traditional Japanese technique called katazome

Some of the lanterns retain old-fashioned traditional forms

The final layer is usually a gold or silver metallic overlay

after graduating from the Art Institute of Chicago

making them mouth safe

Japanese Urushi Oval Lunch Box The washi paper is dyedThese items are made using the traditional Hida Shunkei lacquerware technique from Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. This area is rich in forest resources. As a result, woodworking techniques have long been developed there. The Hida Shunkei lacquerware technique was devised to fully bring out the beauty of the wood. Hinoki cypress and Sawara cypress are used to craft magemono bent wood vessels. First, thin sheets of wood are steeped in warm water until