Hidden in central Hiroshima City, one can find the gallery and workshop of Japan’s most celebrated modern lacquer artisan. His work has won numerous international prizes and was chosen to be gifted to the members of the G7 Summit held in Hiroshima in 2024. In this exclusive experience, see the creation process up close and share the worktable with this skilled master as he shows guests how to create and enjoy finely crafted lacquerware.

Programme Details

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Meet a private guide at a shop in central Hiroshima City, where today’s artisan visit will take place.

Enter a multi-generation family-run shop selling Buddhist altars. Guests are greeted by the master craftsman and given a short explanation of the shop’s history and his personal journey as an artist.

In the gallery upstairs, marvel at the impressive lacquerware on display. From tiny sake cups weighing almost nothing to elegant flatware that undulates with subtle playfulness, this collection is widely recognized as the most celebrated modern lacquerware in the nation. While the designs are contemporary, the techniques used are traditional, and the artist is happy to explain how each piece has been created.

Enter the workshop of the master, where a demonstration is given on how lacquer is prepared. Gathered around a small worktable, guests are guided by the host as they gently mix natural ingredients and witness the moment pure lacquer is added to the mixture.

Jumping ahead further in the creation process, guests then are treated to a demonstration of paint being applied to lacquered bowls. This is where the true mastery is revealed, with the host deftly creating color gradation in his signature style.

To conclude, return to the gallery and enjoy the experience of actually using the lacquerware vessels for their intended purpose. Have a drink of tea or coffee from several different cups, while the artisan points out how each is unique. Amazingly, the same drink will taste or smell different from vessels of various shapes and sizes. It’s a remarkable way to not only appreciate the artistry of each piece, but to gain a new respect for everyday objects that we use in our life.

Select a small piece from the gallery to take home as a present. Say farewell to the craftsman and the guide, and continue exploring Hiroshima independently.

Time 10:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00

Departure Daily

Notes

 Not available during during New Year holiday period and occasional periods due to art showings and production schedules.

 This activity is restricted to guests 16 years and older.

 Available from 1 to 6 guests.

 Guests with a raw lacquer allergy may attend, but should make their allergy known beforehand. A portion of the production process may not be viewable to prevent allergic reactions.

 Please inform your travel agent of any special dietary requirements that you might have.

 Prices may change due to unforeseen circumstances.

 We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation).

 Please note that all of the above services and tours have yet to be booked. They are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation.

 If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the time of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes in the programme.

Our services include:

●    English speaking guide

●    Entrance fee for studio visit

●    Personal lacquerware gift for each participant 18 years and older

Our services do not include:

●    International and domestic flights

●    Other meals than mentioned

●    Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature

●    Travel insurance 

●    Other services not indicated in the package inclusions abov

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