Analogue Life

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Gouroku Wan (Bowl) / Ø11.5cm x h6cm

Hand-carved footed bowl finished with lacquer. While the interior is a solid black, the thin lacquer coat on the exterior gives it a subtle reddish-brown tone that will gradually fade, revealing more of the wood’s natural color (*see final image).

Urushi craftsman Tadami Iwamoto carves each of his vessels and utensils by hand, without the use of a lathe, using only small tools to hollow and shape each piece. This time-consuming process limits his output but results in forms with a unique organic texture. Traditionally, producing urushi lacquerware requires the skills of two artisans: one specializing in wood carving or turning to prepare the wooden base, and another skilled in applying the urushi lacquer. However, Iwamoto performs both roles, completing each piece from start to finish.