Who. 守田漆器 工房静寛 / Morita Shikki, Kobo Jokan
What. 山中漆器 / Yamanaka lacquerware (lacquerware)
Where. 石川県 / Ishikawa prefecture
石川県加賀市山中温泉にある漆器の塗師屋「守田漆器」。明治42年（1909年）に創業、山中漆器の伝統技術を後世に残せるように、ベテランの職人や若い世代の職人たちの力が発揮出来る環境を提供し、職人の伝統技術の継承に力を入れています。
Morita Shikki, a lacquerware workshop located in Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Founded in 1909, it strives to preserve the traditional techniques of Yamanaka lacquerware for future generations. The workshop provides an environment where both veteran artisans and younger generations can fully utilize their skills, focusing on the inheritance of traditional craftsmanship.
石川県から福井県へと抜ける山間の道を進んでいくと、ある穏やかな温泉街にたどり着く。ここは石川県の中で有名な温泉の一つ、山中温泉。文字通り、自然豊かな山の中にある。西暦740年前後に発見されたとされ、松尾芭蕉にも好まれた温泉である。静かに落ち着いた雰囲気のこの温泉地が、山中漆器が産地である。ここに「守田漆器」がある。
Traveling along the mountain road from Ishikawa Prefecture to Fukui Prefecture, you arrive at a tranquil hot spring town. This is Yamanaka Onsen, one of Ishikawa prefecture's most famous hot springs. True to its name, it lies nestled in the heart of nature-rich mountains (, "Yama" means mountain, "Naka" means the center or inside in Japanese) . Discovered around the year 740, it was also favored by Matsuo Basho. This hot spring resort, with its quiet, serene atmosphere, is the birthplace of Yamanaka lacquerware. Here lies “Morita Shikki.”
「工房静寛 - kobo jokan」
2022年にオープンした「工房静寛」は、工房内にカフェ・フラワーショップが一体となって併設されている。器と緑、食と技を五感で体験できるライフスタイルストア。開放的で明るい店内は、作り手と使い手がより近い距離で繋がりを感じることができます。美味しいコーヒーと職人技を同時に愉しみ、帰りに温泉に入ってまったりする。こういう体験ができるのは、山中温泉にある工房静寛ならでは。
Kobo Jokan, opened in 2022, features an integrated café and flower shop within its workshop space. This lifestyle store invites you to experience ceramics, greenery, food, and craftsmanship through all five senses. The open, bright interior fosters a closer connection between creators and users. Savor delicious coffee alongside artisanal skill, then relax in the hot springs on your way home. This unique experience is only possible at Kobo Jokan in Yamanaka Onsen.
ガラス越しに職人技を拝見。ここは特等席。
Watch the craftsmanship through the glass. This is the prime viewing spot.
桜・欅（けやき）・栃（トチ）・栓（セン）の木々の特性を活かして、木から器を削り作り出していきます。美しい木目が見えるように仕上げる「拭き漆」が山中漆器の特徴です。ひとつひとつ木目が違うので、同じサイズのお椀でも「これはわたし用。これはあなた用。」と何気なく見分けることが可能なことも面白い。
Utilizing the unique properties of cherry, zelkova, horse chestnut, and cork trees, we carve vessels directly from the wood. The hallmark of Yamanaka lacquerware is its “wiping lacquer” finish, which reveals the wood's beautiful grain. Since each piece has a distinct grain pattern, it's interesting how even bowls of the same size can be casually distinguished: “This one's for me. This one's for you.”
削る部分毎に道具を使い分けていく。カンナは職人が自らの手で作っている。
The craftsman uses different tools for each section to be planed. They makes the planes themselves by hand.
守田漆器では、山中漆器の伝統的な商品を中心にろくろ挽き、塗り、蒔絵のワザを活かして製造しています。今もこれからも伝統と革新の融合を目指しています。漆器産地「山中」の主たる技術が精度の高いろくろ挽きされた木地、それの精度を落とさず、良さを引き出すように塗り上げる事。そして、煌びやかな蒔絵などの多彩な加飾技術。それらの技術が積み重ねられて仕上がるものが守田漆器の器です。
At Morita Shikki, they specialize in traditional Yamanaka lacquerware products, utilizing lathe-turning, lacquering, and maki-e techniques. They continue to strive for the fusion of tradition and innovation, both now and in the future. The primary techniques of the lacquerware production area “Yamanaka” are the high-precision lathe-turned wooden bases and the lacquering that preserves this precision while enhancing the wood's qualities. Combined with diverse decorative techniques like the brilliant maki-e, these accumulated skills culminate in the vessels of Morita Shikki.
一つの木の塊からお椀が削り出されていく。これは桜。
A bowl is carved from a single block of wood. This is cherry wood.
「私たちは山中漆器と人々をつなげる役目を担っています。日々変わる現代のニーズと作り手の技術・思いの接点を形にし、今まで山中で培われてきた高い技術を若い世代に継承していきます。」
使うほどに色艶が深まり、漆の柔らかな光沢や温かな手触りが魅力です。本物の温かさに触れて伝統工芸の良さを味わうとともに、現代生活に新たな楽しさ、豊かさを見出してください。
"We serve as a bridge connecting Yamanaka lacquerware with people. We give form to the intersection between the ever-changing needs of modern life and the craftsmanship and passion of our artisans, passing on the advanced techniques cultivated in Yamanaka over generations to the younger generation."
The more you use it, the deeper the color and luster become, captivating you with the soft sheen and warm feel of lacquer. Experience the genuine warmth and appreciate the beauty of traditional craftsmanship, while discovering new joy and richness in your modern life.
カフェのキャッシャーの真横には、塗りの部屋が。
Right next to the cafe cash register is the painting room.
蒔絵の部屋もオープンになっている。
Maki-e room is also open for customer of Kobo Jokan.
守田漆器 工房静寛の商品はこちら。
Morita Shikki Kobo Jokan products are available here.
⬜︎山中漆器 / Yamanaka lacquerware
Traditional lacquerware representing Yamanaka Onsen in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Yamanaka lacquerware, dating back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period (around), is characterized by the beauty of its wood base and its lacquering techniques.
Regarding Yamanaka's wood bases, many wood base artisans are active, including Mr. Ryōzō Kawakita, the first wood base artisan to be designated a Living National Treasure. Techniques such as thin-shaving the wood to a translucent quality and decorative shaving that carves delicate patterns into the wood surface have been developed through the high skill of the artisans. All the planes used for woodturning are forged from steel by the artisans themselves. This pursuit of sharpness underpins Japan's finest lathe techniques.
Regarding lacquering, Yamanaka lacquerware is characterized by its use of the wipe lacquer technique to highlight the beautiful grain of the base wood. (Wipe lacquer: Literally, a technique where lacquer is applied to the base wood and then wiped off, repeated about 7 to 8 times.) Wiping off the lacquer creates thin layers, resulting in a finish that reveals the beautiful wood grain. Of course, the beautiful luster of the lacquer itself can also be appreciated.