Modern Lacquer Ware Painters, Yoshiharu Araie.
Passing on the techniques and commitment to the "product" of modern lacquerware to future generations.
The urethane paint is wiped on evenly with an air sprayer, producing an even gloss one after the other. For a bowl, it takes only a few seconds per piece to apply the paint to the inside and outside of the bowl. Although it only takes a moment, there are many things to check after application, such as whether the paint is even, whether the gloss is the same from all angles, and whether there is any dust, dirt or other foreign matter on the surface. The feeling of relief when a perfect job has been done is the same no matter how many years you have been working.
Mr Arake, who is the second generation to take over his father's painting company, has taken on several apprentices and passed on his skills. He describes himself as 'a modern lacquerware craftsman and a business person'.
I make products, not artworks. It's important to me that I want to deliver easy-to-use, beautiful vessels for my customers, not for myself."
The products handled include bowls, stacked boxes and lidded containers for commercial use in a wide range of shapes. High skill is required to apply the same thin layer of paint to the complex shapes of the bowls, while adjusting the amount of paint.
I want to pass on all my know-how to the young people who will follow in my footsteps so that modern lacquerware can continue as a business. It is difficult to train apprentices while running a business, but I believe it is my mission."
Each piece is painted carefully by hand. Yamanaka features a beautiful finish not found on other resin products.
The amount of paint is controlled by operating the air sprayer. Exquisite control is required, neither too much nor too little.
After applying the outside of the bowl, put it in the dryer for 45 minutes to dry thoroughly before painting the inside and putting it in the dryer again.
Accents are applied to the top edge. The vessels are turned with a quick hand and each one is worked on one by one by hand.
Freshly painted vessel. Meticulous care is taken to ensure that there is no fine dust or unevenness.
Taking a breather between tasks. Modern lacquerware craftsmen Mr and Mrs Arake, their staff and their son, who is currently undergoing training, work together.