Makie artist Shizuka Takahata
We would like to introduce you to Shizuka Takabatake, the lacquer artist who continues to create KARAFURU's signature work, MAKIE Pearl.
Takahata-san is a craftsman who worked with KARAFURU to realize the unprecedented idea of "painting Maki-e on pearls." From the craftsman's point of view, what KARAFURU had in mind was outlandish, and at first, he caused us a lot of trouble.
However, they have always listened to our wishes and provided us with knowledge of traditional Maki-e techniques and designs.
Now, let me show you how MAKIE pearls are made.
First, the lacquer is stretched and adjusted to a hardness that suits the design.
Then, using a very fine brush, the design is painted over with lacquer, not just once, but several times.
When drawing the sketch, the lines should not be blurred.
It is important to draw freely and without hesitation.
This is a process in which the craftsman's sense, as well as his or her experience, is extremely important.
Next, gold dust is sprinkled softly onto the sketch.
We use different types of gold dust depending on the area to be sprinkled.
After that, you wait a few days for the lacquer to dry, and then polish it with a taiki (a tool made from the tooth of a sea bream) or chamois leather. However, because lacquer is a natural material, you need to wait patiently until it dries according to the lacquer's temperament.
Artificially produced materials can be used at a rhythm that suits humans, but the same cannot be said for natural lacquer.
The condition changes daily depending on humidity, temperature, and how it is applied.
Takahata-san has a thorough understanding of the properties of these materials and is able to create Maki-e that is even more beautiful than we could have ever imagined.
Takahata creates the MAKIE pearl lacquer work without hesitation, despite the intricate technique.
The Maki-e artworks that Takahata creates are truly beautiful and mesmerizing.
I would like to reach out to more people.
