Discovering the Ro-iro technique means immersing yourself in the mirror finish of Japanese Wajima-nuri lacquer.
Each piece is polished with charcoal, impregnated with raw lacquer, and then precisely smoothed to reveal a deep shine and refined textures. A unique immersion in the ancestral art of lacquer, between perfect brilliance and subtle details.

Upon completion of the training, the trainee will be able to:

• Perform the preparatory polishing of the surface after applying the finishing coat
• Achieve a deep, black, mirror-like Ro-iro shine
• Use the techniques and know-how necessary for decorative kawari-nuri finishes
• Use various traditional tools correctly
• Perform basic repair work, such as filling scratches or small holes.

Ro-iro is the epitome of Wajima-nuri craftsmanship, the renowned Japanese lacquerware from Ishikawa Prefecture. This highly specialized finishing technique transforms wooden pieces into veritable living mirrors. After the lacquer layers are applied and dried, the artisan polishes the surface with charcoal, impregnates it with raw lacquer, and then polishes it with abrasives and oil to reveal a deep, mirror-like shine.

Beyond its incomparable brilliance, Ro-iro allows for the exploration of refined textures such as Nashiji (pear skin), Hirame, Kanshitsu, and Ishime, each bringing nuance and subtlety to the surface. Mastering Ro-iro means entering the world of a millennia-old tradition where patience, precision, and aesthetic sensibility combine to elevate Japanese lacquer.

Schedule

Day 1

Morning

• Introduction to tools and selection of charcoal for polishing

Afternoon

• Practice: Polishing the lacquered surface with charcoal

Day 2

Morning

• Removing polishing scratches using fine abrasive papers

Afternoon

• Continuing the same process

Day 3

Morning

• Suri-urushi: Impregnating the surface with raw lacquer and drying

Afternoon

• Lesson on Kawari-nuri (lacquer) decorative)

Day 4

Morning

• Suri-urushi: lacquer rubbing and drying

Afternoon

• Lesson on Kawari-nuri

Day 5

Morning

• Final polishing to achieve a Ro-iro mirror shine

Afternoon

• Final lesson on Kawari-nuri
• Workshop cleanup

Ryuuji Kitamura

Since his beginnings in 1983, under the tutelage of Mr. Tatsuo Kimura, Ryuuji Kitamura, a Japanese craftsman, has established himself as a leading figure in the delicate art of Ro-iro, an emblematic Wajima lacquer technique. In 1993, he opened his own workshop, developing a style that combines precision, patience, and refinement. His exceptional mastery was officially recognized in 2010 when he received Traditional Craft certification, and further rewarded in 2021 with the prestigious Governor's Award at the Wajima-nuri exhibition.
Ro-iro involves polishing the top layer of lacquer, impregnating it with raw lacquer, and then polishing it with abrasives and oil to achieve a perfect mirror-like shine. But his mastery doesn't stop there: he also excels in various finishes such as Nashiji (pear skin), Hirame, Kanshitsu, and Ishime, each adding depth and texture to lacquered objects.

Today, he shares his unique knowledge at Campus MaNa, offering participants a rare immersion into the world of traditional Japanese lacquer.

• Classroom, multipurpose room, workshops with professional equipment
• Materials provided
• Individual and collaborative work
• Workshop sessions
• Active participation and experimentation by participants are encouraged

• Group and individualized monitoring of work, regular check-ins
• Self-assessment of technical skills
• Group presentation
• Attendance sheet for each half-day
• Certificate of completion issued by Campus MaNa