Yamada Heiando – Lacquered Cufflinks

Takumi Spotlight

Where Metal Meets Lacquer – The Artisan’s Touch

In a quiet Tokyo workshop, a craftsman prepares the surface of a small wooden form that will soon become the base of a cufflink. The process is deceptively simple—layer upon layer of natural urushi lacquer applied with a brush finer than a calligraphy pen, each layer dried and polished before the next is added. Hours stretch into days as the lacquer cures, revealing the characteristic luster of this rare material, harvested in drops from the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree.

When the time comes to decorate, the techniques unfold like poetry: the careful scattering of gold powder across wet lacquer for NashiJi, the delicate arrangement of silver sprinkles for GinTogiDashi, the shimmering underlay of foil for ByakuDanNuri. Each requires a steady hand and an intuitive sense of balance. There is no room for error—once the powders touch the lacquer, they cannot be retrieved. In this tension between permanence and fragility lies the beauty of Japanese decorative art.

The result is an object of quiet perfection: two small squares or ovals that hold, within their glossy depths, not only the glow of precious metals but the spirit of the artisan who made them.

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.