El hombre que se enamoró de ella

Chrysanthemums unfold in shimmering gold, blooming quietly beneath an unseen moon. Their petals, etched with delicate precision, come to life across a surface so smooth and dark it seems to hold its own reflection. This two-tier jubako bento box is adorned with the work of Takade Eiji, a master of chinkin—the centuries-old art of engraving lacquer and filling each incision with gold leaf and gold powder.

Crafted entirely by hand, the chinkin embellishment is the soul of this piece. A single band of chrysanthemums, carved line by line with a fine blade, drifts across the jet-black surface like a stream of golden light. Every petal and leaf holds depth and texture—each stroke capturing a fleeting moment of seasonal beauty. The lacquer, polished to a mirror-like gloss, subtly reflects its surroundings—like still water catching the image of the moon. From a distance, the gold gleams softly; up close, the intricacy unfurls like a flower at the height of its bloom.

Beneath the gold lies a foundation of true Wajima lacquerware—crafted entirely from natural lacquer, built up in many layers, and polished with precision. The bold, minimalist form is paired with an interior of deep vermilion, offering a vivid contrast that turns each tier into a striking stage for celebratory fare.

Traditionally used to present osechi ryori during the Japanese New Year, this piece, however, transcends its seasonal origins. Whether brought out for special family gatherings or meaningful milestones, it becomes part of the moment—marking time with its presence. As the years pass, the lacquer matures, the ornamentation mellows, and the box takes on a warmth uniquely its own. More than a vessel, it is an heirloom in the making—a lasting expression of chinkin artistry and Wajima craftsmanship that can be passed down and appreciated for generations to come.

Takade Eiji

Sobre la prístina superficie de la laca de Wajima, el maestro artesano Takade Eiji talla un mundo de oro con los precisos trazos de sus numerosos cinceles. Durante más de cincuenta años, se ha dedicado al chinkin , una meticulosa artesanía que embellece la laca con líneas finamente talladas y puntos con incrustaciones de oro. Esta maestría añade un toque de refinamiento y complejidad. Sus obras revelan toda una vida de habilidad, paciencia y dedicación inquebrantable; sin embargo, Takade sigue siendo un artesano humilde, centrado exclusivamente en que cada pieza alcance su merecido acabado.

La laca Wajima, una de las más apreciadas de Japón, se encuentra en la ciudad de Wajima, enclavada en el extremo noroeste de la península de Noto. Esta ilustre artesanía, floreciente desde el período Edo (1603 d. C. - 1867 d. C.), se distingue por su rica base y sus adornos decorativos que prometen excelencia tanto estética como funcional.

Con una asombrosa cantidad de pasos en su proceso de producción, su suntuosa capa de laca y sus exquisitas decoraciones nos sumergen en el fascinante mundo del arte de Wajima. Declarada Bien Cultural Inmaterial Importante en 1975, la laca de Wajima continúa su evolución con elegancia, conservando la rica riqueza de sus antiguas tradiciones.