Urushi lacquer Fall 2025 Selection

Urushi immediately fascinated me. It is not merely a technique, but a true connection between nature and craftsmanship - a resin drawn from the lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum), then applied in multiple layers onto wooden forms. From a single natural material emerge objects that are both beautiful and enduring - a virtuous circle that unites material, gesture, and function.

Urushi follows its own rhythm. For over 7000 years in Asia, this skill has been passed down from generation to generation. Each coat requires precise movements, weeks of drying, and immense patience. Human time - fragile and fleeting - merges with the long time of the material.

Beyond the gesture, urushi is also deeply rooted in everyday life: it protects wood, makes it waterproof, and shields it from heat and bacteria. During my trip to Japan in 2023, I saw how urushi is seamlessly woven into daily life - in kitchens, restaurants, and homes, through bowls, trays, chopsticks, and cups used without a second thought. This union of beauty, function, and durability explains why urushi remains so present today.

Preparing this new OROS selection led me to immerse myself in this fascinating world. Behind the word urushi lies a multitude of techniques, each offering its own textures, reflections, and uses. The book La Laque Urushi: Techniques japonaises (Éditions Vial) guided this exploration, revealing the depth and diversity of this craftsmanship.

The selection I am presenting today brings together 23 unique pieces by 9 artisans, each reflecting this richness. I wanted to frame them within a contemporary aesthetic while remaining faithful to their artisanal roots and everyday purpose. Most come from Japanese workshops, joined by a few European makers :

Rabea Ferber (JP), Fuji Seisakusho (JP), Hatashikki (JP), Andrea Rueeger (CH), Mathieu Segret (FR), Shiki Crafts (JP), Tano Satsuki (JP), Louis Vincent (UK), Junko Yashiro (JP)

Available from November 18 on our online shop, this selection is an invitation to rediscover this ancestral craft and to make it part of your daily life.

Laure, founder of OROS