Shokodokaori

In the art of soradakimono—burning incense to fill a room with its delicate fragrance—the gentle wisp of purple smoke rising from the incense burner creates a serene and meditative atmosphere. Simply gazing at this ethereal scene calms the heart, offering a rich and ritualistic moment of tranquility.

During the Heian period, aristocrats transformed incense, once reserved for Buddhist rituals, into a source of worldly pleasure. They infused their rooms, garments, and even their hair with its fragrance, cultivating a luxurious incense culture. This refined tradition inspired the creation of exquisite crafts, utilizing diverse materials such as lacquerware, wood, and ceramics.

Shoko-do’s Kunju®—a hanging incense burner—is a masterpiece that carries forward this elegant tradition. Crafted using Takaoka lacquerware, it is lavishly adorned with aogai-nuri (blue shell raden) and maki-e, showcasing the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship.

Takaoka lacquerware is renowned for its three signature techniques: aogai-nuri, yusuke-nuri, and chokoku-nuri. Among these, the radiant aogai-nuri stands as the hallmark of Takaoka artistry. Thin layers of iridescent shells, such as abalone, mother-of-pearl, and peacock shells, are polished to a mere 0.1mm thickness and intricately arranged into motifs of nature, such as flowers, birds, and landscapes. This delicate technique creates a holographic effect, with colors shifting from blue to red depending on the angle and light, producing a unique and mesmerizing brilliance.

While raden generally uses shells about 0.3mm thick, Takaoka lacquerware employs shells so thin they allow the underlying lacquer to shine through, resulting in a jewel-like radiance. Some artisans even apply colors to the reverse side of the shells (fusaishiki), enhancing the vibrancy of tea utensils, sake vessels, and decorative boxes that reflect the flourishing merchant culture of Takaoka.

The maki-e embellishments on Takaoka lacquerware represent one of Japan’s most iconic traditional techniques. Takaoka, a city with over 400 years of history as a hub of craftsmanship, is distinguished by its integration of diverse decorative methods. Each piece of lacquerware is a harmonious blend of artistry, involving woodworkers, lacquer painters, raden artisans, engravers, and maki-e masters. Together, their collective expertise transforms each creation into a true "crystallization of beauty.