Artform of Urushi with CY

August 9, 2025

On the morning of August 9th, we hosted a free seminar at Yoseka Land on a topic that’s especially close to our hearts—urushi. This traditional Japanese lacquer artform has deep cultural roots and is often seen in the world of fountain pens, but the intricacies of urushi go far beyond what first meets the eye.

During the two-hour session, we explored what urushi is, its artistic and historical significance, and how it continues to be used today. From the subtle differences between maki-e, raden, and roiro styles, to tips on how to recognize high-quality craftsmanship, the seminar opened up new ways of seeing and appreciating this ancient artform.

We also talked about why it’s important to protect urushi, both as a craft and as cultural heritage. In a world where fewer artisans are carrying on these techniques, we were reminded of how vital it is to slow down, learn, and support the preservation of traditional artistry.

Thank you to everyone who spent their morning with us in quiet observation, note-taking, and conversation. We’re grateful to help create space for learning and we hope this was just the beginning of more in-depth sessions like this at Yoseka Land.