Objects that grow in your hands.
Hand-turned wood. Layered lacquer.
Made in Kaga, to be used and repaired.
One workshop, every stage
Woodturning, foundation, lacquering and decoration are often separate trades. Keeping them together lets us plan for repairs from the start. A turner can leave enough timber for future refinishing and discuss the shape directly with the lacquerer.
Mokudai Urushi began in 1897 as a woodturning workshop in the mountains of Kaga, Ishikawa. Today twelve artisans work under one roof, from timber to decoration. We make vessels whose lustre deepens with use, and which can be repaired when they are worn.
Our storyFour ways to explore
Start with Materials to understand wood and lacquer, then Making to see the work behind each bowl. Browse the Collection to find a piece, or Repairs for an object you already own. We also accept lacquerware made by other workshops.
Making — the process
See the processCollection
View the collection
For customers overseas
Around half of our production is supplied outside Japan, to galleries, hotels and private customers in Europe, America and Asia. Our workshop answers questions in English about materials, food contact, transport and care. We also receive repairs from overseas.
International enquiries
Repairs
Wear and changes in the surface tell the story of a vessel. We assess each piece and discuss how it can continue to be used.
About repairsVisiting the workshop
We hold small, reservation-only open days in May and October. Please discuss interpretation in advance. Timber takes one to two years to season, and some commissions require more than six months from order to delivery.