takumi spotlight
Blossoms in Gold: The Artisan’s Hand
In a quiet Tokyo atelier, a Yamada Heiando artisan traces the form of a blossom with a fine brush dipped in golden lacquer. Gold powder, sifted through delicate bamboo tubes, settles onto the wet surface like pollen on a petal. Hours later, the outline is redrawn, the powder sealed, the surface polished to a mirror sheen.
This is not decoration; it is devotion. Each blossom on the Ume Dome Box is the culmination of countless gestures — hand, breath, and brush aligned in rhythm. In these patient hands, the plum blossom blooms not in a season, but forever
company overview
Yamada Heiando: Imperial Purveyor of Lacquerware
Founded in 1919 by Konosuke Yamada, the Tokyo-based lacquerware atelier quickly rose to prominence, serving discerning collectors and, most notably, the Imperial Household of Japan. In recognition of its mastery, Yamada Heiando was awarded a Royal Warrant, an honor granted only to brands personally selected by the Emperor for their excellence.
As one of the few remaining Royal Warrant holders, Yamada Heiando continues to embody the ideals of perfection, artistry, and service to tradition. Its creations, ranging from tableware to jewelry boxes, are sought not only in Japan but across the world by embassies, temples, and connoisseurs of refined craftsmanship.
Today, under the leadership of CEO Kenta Yamada, the brand remains dedicated to preserving the exacting standards set by its founder. Each piece is a living work of art—designed not simply to be admired, but to become part of the rituals of daily life.
