Akoda Chaki – Tame Urushi Lacquer by Shiko Hosokawa – Takaoka Lacquerware

Akoda Chaki – Tame Urushi Lacquer by Shiko Hosokawa

An elegant Akoda Chaki (阿古陀茶器) crafted by Shiko Hosokawa (細川司光) in the tradition of Takaoka lacquerware.

The distinctive Akoda form is inspired by the rounded, segmented shape of an akoda-uri (阿古陀瓜), a traditional Japanese gourd or melon form that has long appeared in Japanese decorative arts and tea utensils. Its softly curved silhouette gives the chaki a graceful presence in the tea room and distinguishes it from the more familiar cylindrical forms of natsume.

The body is crafted from natural wood, including ume (梅, Japanese plum) and tochi (栃, Japanese horse chestnut), and finished with genuine urushi (本漆, natural Japanese lacquer).

The surface features a rich tame (溜) lacquer finish. Tame-nuri is admired for its deep, translucent brown-red tone, through which subtle warmth and depth emerge. As an urushi piece is handled and cared for over time, the appearance of the lacquer can gradually develop additional character and luster.

Made in the tradition of Takaoka lacquerware (高岡漆器), one of Japan’s established lacquerware traditions, this chaki brings together natural wood, genuine urushi, and a distinctive classical form.

Its restrained design makes it highly versatile for the tea room. Rather than relying on a strongly seasonal motif, the beauty comes from the Akoda form, the natural materials, and the depth of the lacquer itself, allowing it to complement a wide range of chawan and seasonal tea arrangements.

A refined choice for a chakai, as well as an appealing piece for collectors of traditional Japanese lacquer tea utensils.

About Takaoka Lacquerware

Takaoka lacquerware developed in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, an area with a long history of traditional craftsmanship. Over generations, Takaoka artisans have developed sophisticated decorative and lacquer techniques used for both everyday objects and fine works of Japanese craft.

Details

• Artist: Shiko Hosokawa (細川司光)

• Type: Akoda Chaki (阿古陀茶器)

• Lacquer: Tame (溜)

• Material: Natural wood – Ume (Japanese Plum) & Tochi (Japanese Horse Chestnut)

• Finish: Genuine Urushi Lacquer (本漆)

• Craft Tradition: Takaoka Lacquerware (高岡漆器)

• Tea Utensil / Chaki

• Made in Japan