This exceptional training course is led by Kentaro Moroishi, a master lacquer craftsman who has come especially from Japan. Over ten days, participants will discover all the essential steps of Wajima lacquer: preparing the surface, applying primer and intermediate layers, maki-e techniques, and working with mother-of-pearl, culminating in the final finishing and polishing. A rare immersion into the heart of Japanese craftsmanship, guided by a highly skilled artisan.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Make and adjust lacquer tools
• Perform Wajima lacquer priming techniques
• Apply the lacquer finish
• Practice basic maki-e techniques
• Use the mother-of-pearl (fine shell) technique

Designed as a progressive learning path, this workshop guides participants from preparing the wooden support to the final stages of polishing and applying the finishing layer. The training begins with an introduction to the essential tools of the lacquerer and the adjustment of the wooden base, followed by Kijigatame, a key step that hardens and stabilizes the support. Participants will also learn to make and sharpen their own tools, perpetuating a fundamental skill of Urushi lacquer.
The following sessions are devoted to the structural techniques of Wajima lacquer: Nunokise (laying the canvas), various phases of Jitsuke and Sabitsuke, which constitute the essential base layers for the object's durability. The workshop also includes a guided introduction to Aumaki-e, including designing the motif, transferring the design, tracing the outlines, sprinkling the powder, and applying the inlays. The technique of working with thin shell (mother-of-pearl) is also explored, allowing participants to discover the delicate manipulation of the material and the subtlety of its decorative effects.

The following steps, with the application of Nakanuri (intermediate layers) and Nurikomi, gradually lead the object towards its final finish. The last few days are dedicated to polishing, preparing and applying Uwanuri (the top layer), and then to the final burnishing, which reveals the characteristic depth and brilliance of Urushi lacquer.

At the end of this workshop, participants will have acquired not only precise technical skills, but also a comprehensive understanding of the rigor, meticulousness, and philosophy that guide the tradition of Japanese lacquer. This immersive experience combines artisanal learning, creativity, and the discovery of an exceptional cultural heritage.

Schedule

Day 1

Morning

• Welcome and introductions
• Adjusting the wooden base
• Creating the Kijigatame (hardening the support)

Afternoon

• Sharpening the knives and making the spatulas

Day 2

Morning

• Creating the Nunokise (applying the canvas)

Afternoon

• Introduction to maki-e and creating the design

Day 3

Morning

• First phase of Jitsuke (applying the base layer)

Afternoon

• Transferring the design and Preparation of the thin shell (mother-of-pearl)

Day 4

Morning

• Second phase of Jitsuke (application of the base layer)

Afternoon

• Tracing the outlines
• Sprinkling powder and applying the inlays

Day 5

Morning

• Application of the Sabitsuke (base layer)

Afternoon

• Solidifying the design and covering the mother-of-pearl

Day 6

Morning

• Application of the Nakanuri (intermediate layer)

Afternoon

• Nurikomi (covering of the powder)

Day 7

Morning

• New application of Nakanuri (intermediate layer)

Afternoon

• Polishing
• Grinding then polishing the mother-of-pearl

Day 8

Morning

• Polishing and preparation for Uwanuri (finishing layer)

Afternoon

• First application of Uwanuri

Day 9

Morning

• First final polishing

Afternoon

• Second application of Uwanuri

Day 10
Morning

• Second final polishing and cleaning

• Review and closing of the training
• Workshop cleanup

Kentaro Moroishi

Originally from Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Kentaro Moroishi is a master craftsman of Japanese lacquer, or Urushi. Trained at the Wajima Technical Institute in Ishikawa Prefecture, he perfected the demanding techniques of lacquer application and dumaki-e, the delicate art of sprinkling metallic patterns onto lacquered objects.

In 2018, he and Yuko founded the brand Yukaku, based in Wajima, where the duo designs tableware, decorative objects, and sake accessories, while also leading workshops to introduce Urushi. An innovator, Kentaro also explores new mediums, such as the Hegi Board, a lacquered skateboard that transposes traditional techniques onto a contemporary object.

The craftsman's approach is distinguished by his creativity and playful spirit: he combines lacquer with a variety of materials—wood, linen, metal, or mother-of-pearl—to reveal the richness and versatility of Urushi, aiming to create objects that inspire wonder and bring a smile.

In 2024, after the destruction of his workshop and home in the Noto Peninsula earthquake, Kentaro and Yuko launched the "Urushi Tools and Materials Sharing Tour," a call for solidarity among Japanese artisans. Thanks to this support, they resumed their work in a temporary workshop and continued their mission: to pass on traditional know-how while reinventing lacquer for the 21st century. Kentaro Moroishi thus embodies the successful fusion of artisanal rigor, innovation, and poetry, making Urushi a living and contemporary art form.

• 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