Born in 1955 in Wajima-city Ishikawa, Junichi Hakose 箱瀬淳一 graduated from school at the time when Wajima lacquerware industry was in a boom. The industry thus offered good employment in the city and this is how Hakose started a 4 years, in his own words “extremely tough with no time to sleep” apprentice. 

 

Hakose was a fast learner with a strong character of persistence and he learned all the processes of Wajima lacquerware. The difficulties of the formation pushed him to learn always more, because he thought that at least, he would go out of this difficult period with a good know-how. Today, he’s one of the most internationally acclaimed Japanese lacquer artists, but his desire is to have his works used everyday by his clients. He runs his own workshop and takes several apprentices to pass on his knowledge. 

 

Apart from lacquerware, Hakose has collaborated with luxury brands such as Christofle (silverware), Minase (watches) and Van Cleef (jewellery) to show his exceptional craftsmanship and promote the recognition of lacquer art as it deserves.

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