Makie artist, lacquer art dealer, Hariya Kinuyo
makie art created by lacquer and gold dust on small works of art.
Ms Hariya of Urushi Art Hariya, which produces accessories and small objects decorated with makie lacquerware. She has always loved drawing pictures and at one time she was aiming to go to art college. When she was about to give up her dream of becoming a painter, she was fascinated by makie on jujube dates she found at home. For Hariya, who was born and raised in the mountains, makie is a familiar art form. After graduating from high school, he decided to join a Makie artist, believing that he would be able to continue painting if he became a Makie artist.
In those days, women were rare in the world of craftsmanship. I was blessed with a mentor who took good care of me."
She and her husband (Masayuki Hariya), who started as an apprentice at the same time, worked hard to master their skills and had a baby in their twenties, and their two sons both became traditional craftsmen and run 'Urushi Art Hariya' as a family business.
They have not only relied on tea ceremony utensils, but have also applied makie to new fields such as accessories. The company hopes to pass on Yamanaka lacquerware to future generations by adopting changes while respecting tradition.
When I see the work of my sons and other makie makers, I am inspired by ideas that I don't have. I have been a craftsman for 43 years, but I still have a lot to learn. I am happy if I can move forward step by step, making constant efforts."
Painting with a sticky lacquer solution.
Soft bristles of rabbits, rats and raccoon dogs are used for the makie brushes.
Once the picture is painted with lacquer, gold dust is sprinkled with a tool made from reed stems. The lacquer acts as an adhesive and the gold dust remains only on the lacquer part.
Lacquer hardens by a chemical reaction with moisture in the air. Firmly harden in a humidity box kept at 80% humidity.
Finished brooch. Beautifully delicate work.
In 2019, Ms Hariya received the highest award, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Award, at the National Exhibition of Traditional Craftsmen's Works, and is highly regarded as a Makie artist.
makie underpainting and finished product. A favourite of Ms Hariya, who has many works with owls on them.
The makie workshop "Urushi Art Hariya" was established in 1981 by husband and wife team, Masayuki and Kinuyo Hariya. They are joined by their sons, Takayuki and Shogo Hariya, and the four father-and-son duo produce makie works.