Kiso Hirasawa
The Spirits of CraftsmanshipJapanese Lacquerware is called “Shikki.” (It is also called “Japan” in reflection of its

uniqueness.) Shikki was introduced to Kiso Hirasawa around 600 years ago. By themid-Edo period, Hirasawa has become widely known as an excellent environment forShikki production. At the time, a great number of tourists from Kyoto, Osaka, Owari(Nagoya), Edo (Tokyo), and many places passed through Nakasendo-highway in Kiso
Valley. As Kiso Shikki was a very popular souvenir among tourists, it had spread
gradually throughout Japan. There are around 150 companies and over 700 people(including 62 master craftsmen who are officially recognized by the government)
working in this area today.
In the 28th winter Olympic Games held in Nagano 1998, Kiso Shikki was used to makethe Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals to honor the winners of the Olympic Games. Lateron in 2006, the government designated this area as a Cultural Asset, especially for
Shikki manufacturing.

Kiso Shikki
Itsukushima Shrine

Kiso-Tsuishu

Matsumoto Dashi-Butai

On refined wooden bases, local iron clay isrubbed on for the foundation coating. After a
mid-layer is applied and dried, high viscosity
urushi is dabbed on to create a water drop-liketexture. 12 to 18 layers of colored urushi arethen applied on top of it. Each layer of urushi
can only be applied when the previous layer iscompletely dried and this process can often
take days. After the final layer is applied andhardened, the uneven surface is to beabraded. Patterns similar to the rings of a tree
will then beautifully appear. The pattern ofeach art piece is always a surprise and uniquein its own way. Finally, for the finishing touch,clear urushi is applied for the glossy look.

Cleaning

The Inheritance of Japanese CultureWith the help of Kiso Shikki Industrial
Association, Kiso Art and Craft Center restores
Shikki arts in shrines, Buddhist temples, floats,
platform stages and other traditional culturalproperties. Shikki craftsmen study the originaltechniques and are able to recreate coatingsfrom some 400 years ago. These traditional
techniques are performed at Japan’s nationaltreasure “Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima” andat the platform of Fukashi Shrine. “Home ofJapanese Shikki - Kiso Hirasawa” is embraced
by gifted craftsmen who are engaged in therestoration of all kinds of Shikki art.

Techniques
The medals for the Nagano Olympic Games
were made from the heart using Shikki
techniques. These medals present anelaborate combination of the following 3techniques: the Makie technique (sprinkling ofgold and silver powder on a pattern drawn withlacquer), the vitreous enamel baking
technique and the photographic processing
technique (produces metal figures withprecision).

The Face of the Medal
THE FRONT features a rising sun inside olive
braches with the emblem of cloisonné in thecenter. The lettering on the Shikki surface isrendered with intricate gold and silver inlay.
THE BACK is predominately Shikki with adepiction of the emblem and the morning glowof the mountains of Shinshu. The pictogramsof each event is then added using the samesate-of-the-art metal process that is used toaffix lettering on watch faces.
These Medals are displayed at “Shiojiri-Kiso District Original Industry Promotion Center”