In a world where traditional crafts are slowly fading into obscurity, two talented individuals in central Japan are breaking the mold and keeping the 400-year-old art of wood lacquerware alive through an unexpected medium – nail art.
The intricate art of Hida-shunkei lacquerware originated in the Hida mountains, with Takayama as its focal point, around four centuries ago. However, the future of this traditional craft is now uncertain as the number of artisans practicing it has dwindled over the years due to the lack of successors to carry on the tradition.
Naoko Sato, a 48-year-old nail designer running a salon in Takayama, has taken it upon herself to promote the beauty of Hida-shunkei lacquerware by incorporating it into her stunning nail art creations. Teaming up with Toshihiko Kawahara, a 63-year-old Hida-shunkei lacquerware painter, Sato used her expertise in nail art to produce nail extensions made from local cypress wood, decorated with the glossy Shunkei lacquer.
The meticulous process takes around three months to complete a set of nail enhancements, with the finished product boasting a length of 9cm, a thickness of approximately 3mm to 5mm, and an exquisite shine that reflects the elegance of the lacquerware.
In April, Sato and Kawahara showcased their collaborative work at a show in Takayama, where models flaunted their impressively long, glossy, and intricately embellished nails. The audience was captivated by the artistry, with one attendee expressing her desire for people worldwide to appreciate the charms of Hida’s traditional craft.
The decline of the traditional craft has left only eight Hida-shunkei lacquerware painters still operating, making Kawahara, the youngest of them, the bearer of an ancestral tradition struggling to find a new generation of artisans to carry it forward.
The unexpected fusion of nail art and wood lacquer technique has not only captivated audiences in Japan but has also made waves internationally. Sato’s exhibit in New York garnered praise from figures in the fashion industry, as they marveled at the novelty of wooden nails and the innovative use of the traditional painting technique.
Sato’s vision extends beyond simply showcasing her nail art creations. She aspires to use her platform to arouse interest in Hida-shunkei lacquerware, particularly among the younger generation, and to inspire people both within and outside the lacquerware industry to discover new applications for the traditional painting technique.
As the fervent advocate of this time-honoured craft, Sato is now promoting Hida-shunkei nails for weddings and other grand events, both domestically and abroad. Her aspiration is to share the beauty of Hida-shunkei with the world and to uphold the traditional craft using the unconventional canvas of nail art.
As a result of this extraordinary collaboration, Sato and Kawahara are not only preserving a vanishing art form but also ensuring that the legacy of Hida-shunkei lacquerware continues to enchant and inspire for generations to come.