profile

This is a workshop run by husband and wife lacquer artists, Gaku Hirai and Ayako, who work in Inawashiro Town, Fukushima .

In order to value the harmony between wood and lacquer, we use lacquer that we collect and refine ourselves.

We aim to create lacquerware that fits into modern life .

Lacquer artist/urushi-kaki

Gaku Hirai

Born in Kyoto in 1988

2011 Graduated from Tohoku University of Art and Design, Crafts Course, Lacquerware Major
2011 Worked at Ogi-bou lacquerware workshop
2016 Became independent with his wife, Ayako
2019 Participated in a long-term training program organized by the urushi-kaki Technique Preservation Society

Lacquerer / Kintsugi

Hirai Ayako

Born in Fukushima in 1987
2013 Graduated from Tohoku University of Art and Design with a degree in lacquer art
2013 Worked at an antique furniture restoration workshop
2016: Became independent with her husband, Gaku