Leather and lacquer.

Leather and lacquer.

Both are materials that have been used in human life for a long time.

However, there are not many opportunities to see the two overlap.

One of the manufacturing activities that Has is working on is

"Lacquer skin (shippi)"

There is.

This is an ancient technique of applying lacquer to the surface of leather.

It has a long history and has been used in weapons and accessories in Japan.

The suppleness of leather and the unique luster and texture created by lacquer.

By combining two materials with different properties, you can create an expression that cannot be created with just leather or lacquer.

When Satoshi Hidaka started working on lacquer skin, it was not to simply reproduce established techniques.

"I want to do things that others don't do."

With this in mind, he became interested in lacquer skin, and began his own research by researching and experimenting.

At Has, rather than entrusting the production to specialized lacquer craftsmen, Hidaka himself has learned about lacquer and repeatedly made prototypes.

However, simply applying lacquer to leather does not mean that it can be used as a leather product.

When lacquer hardens, it has a unique strength.

On the other hand, the leather used for bags and wallets must be able to bend, flex, and withstand everyday movement.

While retaining the beauty of lacquer, the flexibility of leather is not lost.

I needed to find that balance.

Paint.

Let it dry.

Paint again.

And make sure.

At Has, we do not just apply lacquer once and be done with it, but we complete the process in multiple steps.

On the official website, it is introduced that lacquer is applied in 4 to 5 layers depending on the product.

It's not enough just to apply it thickly.

While retaining the suppleness necessary for leather products, we bring out the expression unique to lacquer.

There are times when I have tried many times.

The finished lacquer skin has a mysterious expression.

A deep luster that appears when exposed to light.

Slight fluctuations, not uniform.

The depth created by the lacquer overlaps with the soft appearance of the leather.

Although it is made from traditional materials, its appearance is somewhat modern.

Has's goal is not to simply recreate what used to be.

While looking at the materials and techniques that have been passed down,

“Now, how would I shape it?”

to think about.

Techniques cultivated as a leather craftsman.

It's like looking at a piece of leather.

And lacquer, which I learned on my own.

When they overlap, Has's lacquer skin is created.

Leather and lacquer.

Before the two materials meet, there is a long process of trial and error that cannot be seen in the finished product.

Rather than leaving traditions as they are, we revisit them with our own hands and create something that can be used in modern life.

Has's lacquer skin is quietly imbued with the inquisitive spirit of the craftsman Satoshi Hidaka.