Yamada Heiando - Tokyo-Based Lacquerware Boutique since 1919
Yamada Heiando opened its first lacquerware boutique in 1919. They are a proud purveyor of tableware to the Japanese Imperial Household, and their products are showcased in Japan's international embassies.
Yamada Heiando cherishes the rich tradition of lacquerware as well as the skills and universal aesthetic sensibility that they have inherited from traditional artisans. At the same time, they dedicate themselves to the design of new products that capture the values of contemporary life.
These lacquerware are not only beautiful to look at, but they are made for your everyday life.
Japanese Lacquerware - Meticulous Craftsmanship
Asian lacquer trees produce a unique, natural sap that is unmatched by modern imitations. The sap's strength makes their products both highly durable and water-resistant.
Human use of this lacquer sap has a history that goes back to the Stone Age, when it was originally utilized as an adhesive throughout Asia. It is the Japanese, however, who were first to recognize its inherent beauty and who first introduced its use into their craftsmanship.
Makie is a Japanese gilding technique that adds a three dimensional quality to images on lacquered surface. Makie's meticulous craftsmanship and its elegant finishing are what gave lacquerware its original name as "japan" or "japanese".
"Kissa" Tea Tray
This compact rectangular tray is originally designed as a tray to serve a confectionary (such as wagashi or tea cake) and tea for a individual. Kissa is a Japanese word which means "tea-drinking" and enjoying tea time is a popular practice in Japan. The tray is also great as a serving plate for hors d'oeuvres, small appetizers, etc. to bring an elegant nuance to the experience. The tray is also stackable so it can store neatly if you have multiple pieces of this tray.
Byakudan - Elegant Amber with Black
Yamada Heiando creates a synthesis of traditional craft and contemporary design; an adaptation of Japanese aesthetics; the spirit of wabi-sabi; material; technique; form and motif from traditional crafts to accommodate a contemporary life style with an innovative design. Byakudan design is one of the signature series of Yamada Heiando, and it consists of two colors - amber and black. The amber color used here is achieved by applying gold and silver, and later applying clear lacquer for the finish. It is one of the most simple yet elegant pieces Yamada Heiando creates.
Byakudan is one of the techniques which produces lacquerware. Byakudan is called "sandalwood" in English. This aromatic wood has been used as material for perfumed oil for a long time. It has been used to make various kinds of familiar implements in Japan (e.g. a statue of Buddha and Buddhist altar fittings, the ribs of a fan, and raw material for incense), because it can give off a fragrance without heating. The core of Byakudan tree has a yellow to brown color with the strong fragrance, so it has been used as a raw material for luxury fragrance. However, in the sapwood the color is whitish and the fragrance is more subtle. It is said that the lacquerware technique Byakudan paint was named by imitating the color of Byakudan wood. In recent years, craftsmen who pass along this technique have declined significantly. The production of Byakudan paint requires more intensive labor and higher skills compared to normal production of lacquerware, so this style of lacquerware has become more rare and premium.
One of the signature wabi-sabi characteristics of Byakudan lacquer is the upper lacquer layer will gradually become transparent with age because of the natural oxidation. This will result in the tone of the amber become lighter and somewhat shinier. You can enjoy the development of its aging as you use it for a long time.
