Wajima Painted - Shenjin Tea Box

What is "craftsmanship"?

People say that the core of the so-called "craftsman spirit" is: not just treating work as a tool to make money, but establishing a spirit of dedication to work and striving for excellence and meticulousness in what is done and what is produced.

My understanding is that "only by achieving the ultimate can one become a craftsman".

Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

What is "ultimate"?

Wajima lacquerware, a traditional Japanese craft, boasts a history of over 600 years. It has found its way into not only the Imperial Household Agency but also temples, shrines, high-class restaurants, and luxury hotels. As a traditional Japanese craft, Wajima lacquerware embodies the beauty of this unique style.

Wajima Painted - Shenjin Tea Box

First, its process is extremely complex, consisting of 70 to 100 meticulous steps. Furthermore, the initial shaping takes over two years, and the painting process alone requires more than six months. Its production requires the collaborative effort of multiple people.

Wooden frame production

In addition, there are two special skills required for the production of Wajima enamelware, which require extremely high levels of expertise. These two techniques are "makie" (絵, a type of lacquerware) and "shinkin" (沈金, a type of gold leaf).

"Makie" involves first drawing patterns on a finished lacquerware piece with a brush, and then sprinkling gold powder on top. This allows artists to freely unleash their imagination and create more abstract and contemporary works.

In Japanese lacquerware, "Shinkin" is a unique technique of Wajima lacquerware, and it can be said to be the most difficult technique.

So, what is Shenjin? It involves first carving patterns bit by bit onto a finished lacquerware piece using extremely fine tools, and then sprinkling gold powder on top. Therefore, Shenjin is very difficult and requires immense patience. The most distinctive feature of this technique is its ability to vividly depict the expressions and fluffy feathers of birds and animals.
It can be said that "Shenjin" is Wajima's "unique skill".

Wajima Painted - Shenjin Tea Box