Isuke Shoten Co., Ltd. was founded in Kyoto nearly 190 years ago as a merchant specialising in urushi lacquer.
Today, in addition to supplying lacquer and related materials, we are also engaged in the planning and sale of lacquerware products, working as true experts in both urushi and lacquerware.
We actively participate in exhibitions both in Japan and overseas, striving to share and promote lacquerware, one of Japan’s most respected traditional crafts, with the world.
Through collaboration with advisors and designers from Japan and abroad, we have launched a new lacquerware brand, “isuke”.

Our Heritage

Our history dates to the late Edo period, during the Bunsei era (1818–1830).
We began as a lacquer merchant, refining urushi lacquer and supplying it to lacquer craftsmen in Kyoto and lacquerware production regions throughout Japan.
Over time, our business expanded beyond lacquer to include paints and other materials, and through many decades we have built strong relationships of trust with artisans and workshops across the country.
Drawing on our deep knowledge and experience as specialists in urushi, we gradually extended our activities to the planning and sale of lacquerware products, continuing to grow alongside tradition.
Today, we are known as a rare presence in Japan, with a profound understanding of both materials and finished products.

Our Expertise

Based in Kyoto, Isuke Shoten Co., Ltd. operates as an expert in both urushi lacquer and lacquerware.
In addition to supplying lacquer and related materials, we plan, develop, and sell lacquerware products that make full use of traditional techniques.
Our greatest strength lies in our ability to support the entire process, from in-depth knowledge of materials to the creation of finished products.
We actively exhibit at trade fairs and exhibitions in Japan and abroad, sharing the appeal of lacquerware as a traditional Japanese craft with a global audience.
Through collaboration with advisors and designers from Japan and overseas, we continue to explore new designs that resonate with contemporary sensibilities.
Our long history as a specialist in urushi enables us to select fine materials and deliver products finished with proven craftsmanship.

Our Mission

The word “urushi” is said to originate from “uruwashii”, meaning beautiful or graceful.
Inspired by this origin, our mission is to bring beauty and richness into everyday life through lacquerware.
Lacquerware is not meant only for special occasions.
Rather, it is something we hope people will use in their daily lives.
With each use, the surface becomes more familiar to the hand and its lustre deepens—this gradual transformation is one of lacquerware’s greatest pleasures.
Even as modern lifestyles have shifted from traditional Japanese to Western settings, lacquerware is not something that stands apart from contemporary life.
With thoughtful design and form, it can blend naturally into Western interiors, adding warmth and a sense of refinement to everyday living.
Through our lacquerware, we hope to deliver small moments of happiness and a feeling of comfort to people around the world.

Our Brand ”isuke”

The brand “isuke” was created to carry forward our long history and tradition while offering lacquerware that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles.
Working together with designers and advisors from overseas, we pursue designs that allow lacquerware to be enjoyed in a more free and contemporary way.
Through the harmony of beautiful materials, skilled craftsmanship, and the sensibilities of those who use them, “isuke” presents a new expression of lacquerware culture to the world.

Store Information & Access

Company Name	Isuke Shoten Co., Ltd.
Address	344 Kashiwaya-cho, Yanaginobanba-dori Gojo-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8066, Japan
Tel	+81-75-361-5281 (Main), +81-75-344-9710 (Lacquerware Division)
Fax	+81-75-361-5285
Business Hours	9:00–17:30 (Last entry at 17:00; Saturdays until 15:00)
Closed	Sundays, public holidays, and selected Saturdays (please refer to the calendar on our website)