In the tranquil realm of Wajima lacquerware, a craft bound by precise, time-honored steps, lies the art of chinkin. Delicate hairline patterns are meticulously carved into lacquered surfaces, their grooves filled with shimmering gold powder and delicate gold leaf. This intricate technique draws the eye closer, where artistry and expertise unite to create a truly captivating visual masterpiece.
Particularly well-suited to Wajima lacquerware, which boasts a robust, multi-layered composition, the thickness of the lacquer coat—further strengthened by with jinoko, a locally sourced diatomaceous earth—provides the ideal surface for fine engravings. For over fifty years, Takade Eiji has dedicated himself to refining this meticulous craft. Take a closer look at his world of chinkin, and the life of a master who has etched his legacy into every groove.
Chinkin first emerged in China during the Song dynasty (960 CE–1279 CE) and later made its way to Japan during the Kamakura period (1185 CE–1333 CE), eventually flourishing in Wajima during the Edo period (1603 CE–1868 CE). This method demands extreme precision—each carved line must be flawless. Even the slightest error in depth or angle can disrupt the delicate balance between lacquer and gold. Artisans use fine chisels to engrave patterns into the lacquered surface, with each groove carefully made to ensure it is just deep enough to hold the gold—too shallow, and the gold will not adhere; too deep, and it risks damaging the lacquered wooden surface.
Once the grooves are carved, a thin layer of raw lacquer is applied to secure the gold leaf. After gently wiping away the excess, artisans press the gold leaf or powder into the grooves. The piece is then placed in a humid environment to allow the lacquer to bond with the metal. Once cured, any remaining loose gold is carefully removed, revealing a delicate design nestled upon the lacquer’s smooth surface. The result is a stunning interplay of lacquer and gold, an enduring art form that has captivated connoisseurs for generations.
From Humble Beginnings to Chinkin Master
Takade's journey into the world of chinkin was as unexpected as it was transformative. Born into a family that crafted paulownia boxes for Wajima lacquerware, he seemed destined to follow in his footsteps. However, fate led him in a different direction. After graduating from high school and working in Osaka for a year, he returned to Wajima, where health issues prevented him from taking over the family business. At his father’s suggestion, he apprenticed under chinkin master Osabe Wataru at age 19. "Indeed, I have walked an unplanned path for fifty years," Takade reflects.
After four years of apprenticeship and graduating from the Ishikawa Prefectural Wajima Institute of Lacquerware Arts, at the age of 28, he established his own home studio, though the transition was challenging. It would take another four to five years to truly master the wide range of skills required to make a living as a chinkin artisan.
Experiencing both the highs of Japan's bubble economy in the 1990s and the more recent decline in demand for traditional crafts, Takade’s career remained steady thanks to the support of the nushiya—producers who oversee the entire process of lacquerware, from planning to manufacturing and sales. He credits the growth of his skill to their rigorous yet nurturing expectations, which pushed him to refine his craft over the years. This demanding relationship helped him evolve from an apprentice to a true chinkin specialist, navigating the challenges of a changing market with unwavering dedication.
Signature Precision and Finesse
Taking a closer look at Takade’s personal expertise reveals the deep mastery he has developed over decades. His treasured hand-drawn designs, paired with the precision of his tools and technique, breathe life into his work. His chisels, custom-made by a blacksmith, vary in thickness and shape to serve specific purposes. “I’m not sure how many more years I’ll be able to use them,” Takade claims, “but I hope someone will inherit these tools one day.” These hand-forged tools allow him to etch both flowing thin lines and precise dots, with each cut’s angle and depth carefully adjusted to form striking, three-dimensional patterns.
“The angle is everything,” Takade explains. “If the tool is too upright, it won’t cut properly, and if it’s too flat, it slips.” Through years of practice, he has mastered this balance, ensuring clean, perfect lines. Once the carving is complete, the challenge of applying gold leaf begins. “You must carve to the exact depth,” he notes.
His expertise truly shines in the final stage of the process, when gold leaf or powder is pressed into the carved grooves. A light touch of kerosene removes the excess, and the design emerges from the lacquer like a blooming flower. “The difference between gold leaf and powder is significant,” he explains. “Gold leaves remain intact for decades, while powder fades over time.”
Adaptability is another hallmark of Takade’s craftsmanship. “I accept every challenge,” he says, reflecting on the variety of pieces he has embraced over his half-century career. His skill and meticulous approach to every design have earned him the admiration of the nushiya and led to his works being recognized at local exhibitions.
A Quiet Dedication to Craft
Over time, Takade has adopted a more measured approach to his craft. "What once took me three days now stretches to a week," he says with calm acceptance. Reflecting on his fifty-year journey, he adds, "I’ve found peace in the slower rhythm of my work." No longer driven by the relentless pressure of his earlier days, he admits, "There were moments when I faced a design unlike any I had attempted before, leaving me awake at night, wondering if I could truly do it justice."
Despite his decades of experience and the respect he has earned, his humility remains constant. “When my work receives praise, it gives me a quiet sense of fulfillment. I find myself thinking, ‘Perhaps there will be more kind words next time,’ and that anticipation brings a certain joy.”
With a smile, he reveals that it’s these small but meaningful moments that have kept his passion alive through all these years.
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