ZOHIKO SERIES
The house’s unique glaze is translucent with red undertones and hand-polished to a high gloss effect reminiscent of enamel – inimitable, and unprecedented in the history of Japanese lacquerware. It is composed of a specialised mixture of ‘urushi’ – a lacquer made from the toxic sap of its eponymous Asian lacquer tree, traditionally applied on woodware via exceptionally fine successive layers. Its laborious technique, in addition to the years required for its harvesting and treatment, makes it a respected and luxurious material treasured and beheld in Japan.
Breathing life into this time-honoured technique, the animated imagery featured in this collaborative collection is crafted using ‘maki-e’ – the process of creating pictures by sprinkling gold and silver powder on hand-drawn patterns. Originating over 1200 years ago, this prolific skill was taught and handed down over generations of ZOHIKO, who was once deemed ‘maki-e tsukasa’ (great master of maki-e) by the Imperial Court. With a profound appreciation for artistry, heritage, and excellence, SAUVEREIGN partners with this workshop to interweave precious craftsmanship with contemporary designs.
