Treasures of Urushi, the beautiful tribute to the traditional Japanese craftsmanship Mio Harutaka.
© Mio Harutaka
Japanese art is characterized by its ability to reflect the harmony between the ephemeral and the immutable. Among the traditions, Uruchi lacquer bears witness to a deep connection with beauty and the preservation of craftsmanship.
The jewelry Treasures of Urushi They are bearers of a thousand-year-old history, the centerpiece of which is the precious Urushi lacquer, carefully extracted from lacquered trees. Used for centuries in Japan, this natural resin is celebrated for its beauty and durability. The sap of this tree is harvested from mid-June to mid-September on trees that are ten years or older. With a brownish-amber color, the sap becomes shiny as it solidifies. Mio Harutaka, By collaborating with a master craftsman from a lineage of specialists in Urushi, she infuses a unique touch into each creation. «The jewelry I create is like guardians of our history,» emphasizes Mio. It seems that the earliest lacquers date back to that era. Nara (710-794).
Each piece of jewelry is meticulously hand-painted, ensuring great quality and uniqueness. The creation process is a true feat of craftsmanship, requiring up to six months of intense work for each piece of jewelry. This long gestation period is due to the complexity of the Urushi lacquer work and the multiple treatments necessary to achieve a perfect finish. This art is a beautiful example of an ancient technique still used today to create objects of value. To achieve this result, Mio Harutaka She works in collaboration with a small group of artisans based in Tokyo and Yamanashi, regions renowned for their jewelry craftsmanship. So, as soon as an idea germinates in her creative mind, Mio surrounds herself with the best jewelers to bring her inspirations to life.
Valuable witnesses to the art of Urushi, the creations of Mio Harutaka, They carry a part of the soul of Japan, a piece of its history and culture.
