Story - 02
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Purpose of restoration
The vessels that have been passed down through generations include,
It holds the memories of that era and its owner.
The restoration of lacquerware preserves such memories,
This is a technique for connecting to the future.
Just as cells protect life,
Lacquer also protects things,
It has the function of maintaining something.
Here, through restoration and regeneration using lacquer,
We will carry on the time and memories that have been passed down, into the future.
Lacquerware, once known as "JAPAN" after crossing the seas from Japan, has been loved and used all over the world. These are not merely craft items, but a history in itself, having been an integral part of people's lives across generations.
Cracks, chips, and wear are all signs of long-term use.
By applying multiple layers of lacquer, it forms several protective films, enveloping and preserving the essence of the vessel, much like cells protect life.
By carefully acknowledging the traces left behind and providing the necessary care, the vessel can once again come alive in everyday life and be passed on to the next generation.
Sotry-01: Coexistence with lacquer
Urushi refers to the sap extracted from the lacquer tree.
It takes 10 to 15 years for a lacquer tree to grow, and only about 200 ml of sap can be harvested from a single tree.
People have cultivated lacquer trees in the mountains and used their sap as a blessing to support their lives. This relationship between humans and lacquer has continued for an incredibly long time.