I primarily work with maki-e and raden inlay. I work tirelessly to uphold Kyoto’s 1,200-year history of craft making and pass along traditional culture, from traditional, custom-made maki-e and raden inlay to the conservation and restoration of cultural treasures, the creation of new works and research into techniques and materials.
Maki-e, the family business, consists primarily of traditional designs, gold maki-e, custom-made maki-e for Buddhist household altars and furnishings, and Shinto fittings. In addition, I have created the maki-e for the Shinto furnishings and supplies used in the Daijosai, an imperial thanksgiving ceremony, and for the event that is held only once every twenty years. For the maki-e that I made for Japanese national exhibitions, such as the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition, I aimed to create original pieces. Maki-e is a cultural treasure, and there is a scholastic side to learning from studying historical articles of such rare beauty. I have been fortunate to participate in the restoration of maki-e at Kodaiji Temple and the restoration of sutra boxes with black lacquer and raden inlay at Daikakuji Temple. In researching the physical properties of lacquer and metal powders, I have collaborated with contemporary industries to create products such as the Casio OCEANUS Mantra OCW-S5000ME.
Learning new things is enjoyable. One realizes that the more one knows, the more there is to learn. This is a truism I keep close to my heart.
Shimode Makie-Studio Yutaro Shimode
Lacquer craftsman, poet, recipient of a Ph.D., master of traditional crafts, and an Emeritus Professor at Kyoto Sangyo University. Third generation Shimode Makie-Studio. In 1912, the founder, Yuken, established the business in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto. Yudo, his successor. Recognized with the Contemporary Master Craftsman medal for technical excellence, awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays Award in spring 2023, and the Kyoto City Art Promotion Award.