ZOHIKO, Kyoto Lacquerware

The official website introduces ZOHIKO as a long-established Kyoto lacquerware house founded in 1661, with a history of more than 350 years in Kyoto-style lacquerware. The global navigation provides sections such as “About Zohiko”, “Products”, “Shops”, “Company Profile”, “Contact” and links to online shops, giving an overview of the brand, its history and its product lines.

The history page describes how the business started as “Zoge-ya”, an ivory and lacquerware tool dealer. The third-generation master Hikobei received the title of maki-e craftsman from the Imperial Court and created a maki-e panel of a white elephant and Samantabhadra that became famous in Kyoto. People then began to refer to the works as “Zohiko”, combining the characters for “zo” (elephant) and “hiko”.

Later generations served as purveyors to the Imperial Household and produced many pieces for the Imperial Court and tea-school families. In the modern era ZOHIKO opened a showroom and guest house in Okazaki, Kyoto, and established the Kyoto Maki-e Art School to train young craftsmen. The company also took part in international expositions such as the Paris Expositions of 1925 and 1936 and received commendations from the Japanese government for its contribution to the export of lacquerware.

After the war Zohiko Co., Ltd. was established as a corporation. The company has continued to create traditional furnishings while developing the gift market and producing reproductions of historically important masterpieces. According to the history page, ZOHIKO has worked on major projects such as lacquer work for the throne in the new Imperial Palace in Tokyo and the preparation of sacred treasures for the periodic reconstruction of Ise Jingu Shrine.

Today the company not only produces high-end maki-e pieces but also develops tableware and interior items for daily use, as well as collaboration works with overseas brands and creators. The product introduction section highlights lacquerware as art, pieces for hospitality and items for everyday living, showing how traditional techniques are adapted to contemporary lifestyles.

The company profile lists the head office in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, with the business scope described as planning, manufacturing and sales of lacquerware and operation of shops. The Kyoto Teramachi main shop offers a selection of seasonal lacquerware, gifts and daily-use items in a calm atmosphere, while department-store shops and overseas retailers present ZOHIKO pieces to a wider audience.

In addition, ZOHIKO runs official online shops for domestic and global customers and actively uses Instagram, YouTube and other platforms to showcase the beauty of lacquer and maki-e. Recent topics on the site include the launch of the “1661” brand and special exhibitions featuring Zohiko works, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to communicate the world of Kyoto lacquerware to people both in Japan and abroad.

More than 350 years of Kyoto lacquerware

According to the official site, ZOHIKO was founded in Kyoto in 1661 and has carried on the tradition of Kyoto-style lacquerware for over 350 years. The company profile states that Zohiko Co., Ltd. plans, manufactures and sells lacquerware and operates its own shops, continuing the heritage of fine coating and maki-e decoration.

From “Zoge-ya” to “Zohiko”: a name rooted in history

The “History of Zohiko” page explains that the company began as “Zoge-ya”, an ivory and lacquerware dealer. The name “Zohiko” comes from a famous maki-e panel depicting a white elephant and the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra created by the third-generation master Hikobei. People in Kyoto combined the first character of Zoge-ya and the first character of Hikobei and began to call the works “Zohiko”, a name that has been passed down to the present.

Art pieces, hospitality tableware and items for daily life

On the product introduction pages, ZOHIKO presents “Lacquerware as art”, “Lacquerware for hospitality” and “Lacquerware for daily life”. These categories cover a wide range of items, from art pieces such as decorated boxes and vases to plates and bowls for entertaining guests and cups or soup bowls designed for everyday use, all making full use of Kyoto-style maki-e techniques.

Flagship shop, museum and worldwide partners

The shop information page lists the Kyoto Teramachi main shop and the head office in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, as well as retail corners in Kyoto and Tokyo and overseas partners in places such as Hong Kong and Taiwan. There is also a Zohiko Lacquerware Museum where visitors can see historical works. Through its flagship shop, museum, department-store counters and collaborations with overseas companies and creators, ZOHIKO continues to share the appeal of Kyoto lacquerware around the world.