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[Fixing with Lacquer]

Lacquer is a natural paint that has been used in Japan for over 10,000 years. After drying to become lacquerware, lacquer is strong enough to withstand strong alkalis and acids, and has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

Since lacquerware is covered with such the strongest armor, the wood inside is strong and healthy. Even if the lacquer peels off, it can be reapplied and used again, even 100-year-old lacquerware can be restored, and because it is 100% natural, it decomposes under ultraviolet light and returns to nature, so there is no need to cut down extra trees to continue using it.

By the way, many people may imagine "kintsugi," or porcelain restoration, when they think of using lacquer to repair ceramics, but of course lacquer can also be used to repair lacquerware itself.

To care for lacquerware, simply wash it as usual with a soft sponge and dishwashing detergent. After washing, wipe off any water droplets with a soft cloth. This daily care will result in a shiny vessel. The lacquer is applied in layers, from the base coat to the top coat, so that the changes in the appearance can be enjoyed through continued use.

Use it every day and wash it every day. Only by doing so, lacquerware, which has the property of hardening where there is humidity, will rejoice, become shiny and beautiful, and can be used for many years to come. All of our craftsmen are willing to repair it, so if it breaks, please do not throw it away, but contact us first.

Appi Urushi Studio
https://www.shokunin.com/en/appi/wan.html
Wajima Kirimoto
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kirimoto/coffee.html
Shirokiya Shikkiten
https://www.shokunin.com/en/shirokiya/teshio.html

References
http://www.chuokai-fukushima.or.jp/aizushikkikumiai/urushinochikara/jpn_aizushikkikumiai/index.html
https://www.appiurushistudio.com/use/
http://kirimoto.net/care_jpn.html
https://www.shirokiyashikkiten.com/shop-info/catalogue/catalogue.html

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[Ito Jakuchu and Nishiki Market]

Ito Jakuchu was a Japanese painter who stood out among many painters active in Kyoto during the Edo period. He is known for his "Doshoku Saie (Colorful Realm of Living Beings)" works, which were painted with brilliant colors and fine brush strokes, and his "Chojukamoku-Zubyobu (Animals in the Flower Garden)" screens, which used a unique technique called "Masumegaki." His individualistic style that was not bound by the conventional painting methods is also known as "Kisoh-ha (Fantastic)."

Did you know that Jakuchu had a deep connection with Nishiki Market? He was born in 1716 as the eldest son of a greengrocery wholesaler named "Masuya" at Nishiki Market and became the fourth-generation owner at the age of 23. On the other hand, he devoted himself to painting and was not very interested in business or entertainment, so he handed over the family business to his younger brother at the age of 40 and then retired to focus on his art, according to the general consensus. However, the "Kyoto Nishiki Koji Aomono Ichiba Kiroku (Record of Kyoto Nishiki-Koji Aomono Ichiba)" from 1771 to 1774, which records the movements of Nishiki Market, shows that Jakuchu played an important role in the survival of the market.

In 1771, Nishiki Market was facing closure due to the scheme of a greengrocery wholesaler on Gojo Street, who was a business rival, who had suspended operations from the magistrate's office. Jakuchu, who was involved in town politics as a "Machi-doshori," explored ways to keep the market going and sought cooperation from various sources, but the adversity continued. He then resigned as a town elder and continued to work as an ordinary citizen, so that he would not be implicated in the town as a whole, and continued to devote his efforts to the cause. Jakuchu continued to negotiate with the magistrate's office and finally succeeded in obtaining permission for the market to operate in 1774.

It is therefore surmised that there are no works that can be confirmed to have been produced during this period, and that he was busy running around trying to save the market, thus making it difficult to create artworks. At present, you can see Jakuchu's paintings on the shutters and various other places in Nishiki Market. When you visit, please pay attention to him as a figure that connects the past and present of Nishiki Market.

Nishiki Market
https://goo.gl/maps/EF52aJnkrdvHraTn8
Sanjo Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/sanjo.html

References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakuch%C5%AB
https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/about/
https://www.okeihan.net/navi/kyoto_tsu/tsu201607.php

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[Kanaya Brush Is Now Back in Stock]

Kanaya Brush of Asakusa, Tokyo, which has been loved by customers for over 100 years, is now restocking its products. The popular hair brush and clothes brush are now available for purchase.

The hair brush is made of a mixture of boar and pig bristles and has a moderate firmness that feels good on the scalp, and can be used not only for daily hair care, but also for finishing touches when you want to make your hair shiny, or for massaging the skin. Our staff has been using this hairbrush for many years for brushing every morning and evening.

Brushing with a hairbrush is one of the easiest and best habits to maintain healthy hair. How about a Mother's Day gift this year, along with the classic carnation?

Kanaya Brush's Hairbrush
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kanaya/hair.html
PAPER EDEN with naoron's Paper Flower Carnation
https://www.shokunin.com/en/papereden/