The Aomori Ryuumon-nuri Style of Lacquer Art
There are urushi lacquer centers all over Japan.
In Aomori Prefecture, Tsugaru-nuri is a famous traditional art.
Urushi lacquerware art requires refined urushi lacquer coating techniques due to the properties of the urushi lacquer.
In modern times, there has been an increase in the number of artists who create works overflowing with creativity while learning traditional urushi lacquer.
Active urushi lacquerware artists must have a serious artisan temperament leading to urushi lacquerware works having a high level of creativity featuring superior quality.
The Ryumon-nuri technique is a technique inventive ideas including marble print techniques in paper making and blowing techniques in watercolor painting making it unlike any other urushi lacquer technique.
Aomori has a cold climate so urushi lacquer does not dry well and the color is not often produced to a satisfactory level.
To improve on this, the Togidashi kawari-nuri technique was created in Tsugaru where layering has been studied thoroughly.
Ryumon-nuri produces an elegant urushi lacquer full of sensitive expressions creating amazing works with special textures while increasing the uniqueness of layering distinctive of kawari-nuri.
The Ryumon-nuri technique which is applied to this work adopting an innovative urushi lacquer pattern by modern lacquer artist Hirokazu Shimamori who lives in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture.
He studied traditional urushi lacquer art techniques in Aomori and the Tsugaru Region.
After completing his studies, he started his own workshop and devoted himself to the world of lacquerware.
He used Ryumon-nuri techniques to make highly creative urushi lacquerware art similar to a marble pattern featuring superior masterpieces characteristic of lacquerware art.


Exclusive Paulownia Wood Case
Paulownia wood which makes up the box is the perfect material for storing lacquerware products.
This box is made of high quality Japanese pawlownia wood with a detailed grainy texture.
The strap is a durable braid which doesn't bend easily and is said to have been often used by historical tea master Sen no Rikyu as a tea ceremony equipment.


Lacquer Artist Hirokazu Shimamori
Born in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture / Graduated University with a degree from the Art, Design and Metal Carving Dept. / Graduate of Tsugaru-nuri Research Center (Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture)
Award for Excellence: University Graduate Exhibition / Award for Excellence: Tsugaru-nuri Exhibition
In 2011, Hirokazu started up his own brand “LANDPROTECTO” to pursue the potentials of traditional artistic heritage.
His artistic style is a fusion of Urushi lacquer art and metal carving art, integrating tradition with original creativity to heighten the value of traditional arts and crafts.
Hirokazu’s unique works of art have won wide acclaim at countless solo exhibitions, group exhibitions and craft fairs.