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".
Ancient Gods - Fujin & Raijin
This tray is depicting the wind god, Fujin, and the thunder god, Raijin, Japanese fearsome gods of nature, and they have been admired by people for many centuries in Japan. These designs are crafted with mother of pearl, a technique called Raden.
Raden work has been recognized as one of the most beautiful crafts in Japan. Raden is a decoration technique that inlays sea shells on the surface of lacquerware products. It has been practiced by Japanese craftsman since the 8th century. Raden work is done entirely by hand and requires an extremely high skill level. Among the main raw materials are Great Green Turban Shell, Abalone Shell and Mother of Pearl. Because of the highly adhesive nature of of Urushi (Lacquer), the shell patterns are firmly secured under a coating of lacquer and won't come off easily, so this tray is designed for everyday use.
