Traditional Japanese Lacquer Art Rei Tsugaru Sabi-nuri Fountain Pen

The Tsugaru Sabi-nuri Style of Lacquer Art
Tsugaru-nuri is a traditional lacquer art of Aomori Prefecture. During the middle of the Edo Period (1603-1868), the Hirosaki Domain promoted lacquer coating development, focusing on Hirosaki.

During the mid-Edo Period, stability among samurai families allowed sword sheaths to take on decorative characteristics, with the modified Tsugaru-nuri’s gorgeous colors becoming popular. Tsugaru-nuri lacquerware spread across Japan as a special modified coating.

Tsugaru-nuri originates from the northernmost point of Honshu, where the cold climate makes lacquer drying and coloring difficult. As a result, a modified grinding top coating technique was developed. Tsugaru-nuri features overlapping, uneven layers of lacquer, making it stronger and sturdier while giving it a unique texture.

The Sabi-nuri technique in this work is by Hirokazu Shimamori, a modern artist from Hachinohe, Aomori. He studied traditional Tsugaru-nuri techniques to create an original lacquer coating, producing a piece overflowing with uniqueness. This brilliant work of art uses a challenging rusting technique while maintaining the lacquer’s elegance.

Exclusive Paulownia Wood Case
The paulownia wood box is ideal for storing lacquerware. Made from high-quality Japanese paulownia wood, it has a detailed grainy texture. The strap is a durable braid that resists bending and was often used by historical tea master Sen no Rikyu for tea ceremony equipment.

Lacquer Artist Hirokazu Shimamori
Born in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, Hirokazu Shimamori graduated from university with a degree in Art, Design, and Metal Carving. He also completed studies at the Tsugaru-nuri Research Center in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture.

Awards:

• Award for Excellence, University Graduate Exhibition
• Award for Excellence, Tsugaru-nuri Exhibition

In 2011, Hirokazu founded his brand, LANDPROTECTO, to explore the potential of traditional artistic heritage. His work fuses Urushi lacquer art with metal carving, integrating tradition with originality to elevate the value of traditional arts and crafts. His unique creations have been widely acclaimed at numerous solo exhibitions, group exhibitions, and craft fairs.