Dear Shaded Viewers,
Urushi, Japan’s iconic lacquer craft, boasts a history spanning over 10,000 years. Despite its deep-rooted cultural significance, this ancient art form teeters on the brink of extinction. Maison 2,3, however, is breathing new life into urushi, merging tradition with modern elegance.
Originally, urushi served a practical purpose in Japan, where wood was scarce. This natural lacquer, derived from tree sap, was used to coat wooden vessels, jewelry, and other objects, preventing decay and significantly extending their lifespan. Some even believed urushi conferred eternal life. Remarkably, items treated with urushi can last up to 1,000 years, a testament to the lacquer’s durability and beauty. The technique is so effective that even disposable paper cups, typically lasting mere seconds, can endure for 100 years when coated with urushi. Maison 2,3’s latest collection pays homage to this ancient craft, blending it with a modern aesthetic while honouring the Shinto belief that divinity permeates all of nature and creation. Urushi lacquer, initially used for preservation, evolved into an art form prized for its aesthetic qualities. Maison 2,3’s new urushi collection seeks to resurrect this lost art, bringing the elegance of ancient Japanese jewelry into the present.
In delving into urushi, Maison 2,3 also explored other elements of classic Japanese jewelry. The nation’s history includes a rich tradition of metal and platinum craftsmanship, with artisans creating exquisite pieces for the royal family, aristocrats, and samurai society. Armor and swords were not just functional but also decorative, showcasing the intricate artistry of Japanese jewelers. Though this heritage was overshadowed by modern civilization, Maison 2,3 aims to revive it through their contemporary designs, capturing the essence of Japan’s oldest and most refined jewelry traditions.
By merging the past with the present, Maison 2,3 ensures that the story of urushi and Japanese jewelry continues, preserving these crafts for future generations to appreciate and cherish.
