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  • Meticulously Handmade
  • Shipping Included
  • 100% Authentic

Heian (平安) Court Chest

Heian (平安) Court Chest

$4,960.00 USD
$6,200.00 USD $4,960.00 USD
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Taxes included. Free shipping included.

The Heian Court Chest captures the poetic refinement of Japan’s Heian aristocracy, translating the world of The Tale of Genji into a luminous work of urushi lacquer and gold.

Color

What Is the Heian Court Chest?

The Heian Court Chest reimagines the grandeur of classical Japan through the art of lacquer and storytelling.

Inspired by the 12th-century Tale of Genji Emaki (源氏物語絵巻), Japan’s oldest surviving illustrated narrative, this piece portrays scenes of noble life, layered junihitoe robes, and the ethereal gold clouds that once adorned imperial screens.

Designed by Michio Fujinami, the cabinet unites the delicacy of yamato-e painting with the precision of contemporary design. Each surface is finished in hand-applied urushi lacquer and gold leaf, echoing the Heian period’s aesthetic ideal of quiet opulence.

  • Design Origin: Vision by Japanese architect Michio Fujinami
  • Product: 1 × Chest, made to order

Low stock: 5 left

Why You'll Love It

Inspired by The Tale of Genji (源氏物語) 

  • Inspired by 16th-century Nanban art, a symbol of curiosity and cross-cultural connection.

Cultural Craftsmanship

  • Hand-lacquered and gilded by artisans following traditional urushi methods.

Architectural Harmony

  • Minimalist form contrasts the elaborate Heian motifs, creating a balance of elegance and modernity.

Functional Art

  • Designed for use as a cabinet, yet composed like a painting in three dimensions.

A Piece of Living History

  • Each chest embodies the enduring beauty of classical Japanese art.

The Story Behind the Design

  • The Heian Court Chest is inspired by The Tale of Genji Emaki (源氏物語絵巻) — 12th-century scrolls illustrating scenes from Japan’s most celebrated novel by Murasaki Shikibu.
  • These emaki scrolls captured the romance, elegance, and emotion of Heian court life, marking the height of yamato-e artistry.
  • Designer Michio Fujinami translates this visual language into lacquer, using urushi and gold to evoke the softness of painted silk and the luminosity of ancient screens.
  • The gold clouds symbolize the fleeting beauty and layered time of the Heian era, motifs of impermanence and refinement.
  • Each chest becomes a bridge between literature, art, and design, a contemporary interpretation of Japan’s most poetic age.

Materials

  • Hardwood base
  • Natural urushi (漆) lacquer finish
  • Gold-leaf maki-e (蒔絵) motif
  • Authentic Japanese kanagu (金具)

Specifications

  • Width: 100cm / 39.4in
  • Depth: 45cm / 17.7in
  • Height: 120cm / 47.2in
  • Weight: ~40kg / 88pounds
  • Color: Gloss black
  • Finish: Multiple hand-lacquered urushi layers

Product Care

  • Dust Gently: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the lacquer surface.
  • Keep Dry: While the urushi lacquer provides some resistance to moisture, avoid exposing the chest to excessive water. Wipe up spills immediately with a dry cloth.
  • Mild Cleaning Only: For light cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth followed by a dry microfiber cloth to avoid streaking. Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.

Shipping

  • Production takes 3–4 months, with each table handcrafted to order with meticulous care.
  • Shipping is included and requires 2–3 months via insured international delivery, depending on destination.

Each piece is carefully packed and shipped with trusted logistics partners to ensure it arrives in pristine condition — a crafted legacy to be treasured.

Made-to-Order Commitment

Each urushiome piece is handcrafted exclusively for you. Once your order is placed, our artisans begin the meticulous process of creation. We’ll provide regular updates so you can follow its journey — from first layer to final inspection.

Please note: Because each piece is made to order, we do not accept returns, refunds, or exchanges. However, if you encounter any issues upon delivery, we will do our best to assist you.

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Guided by Vision, Rooted in Craft

Architectural Elegance

漆重 (urushiome) is shaped by the vision of Michio Fujinami (藤波美知男)—a renowned Japanese architect whose works span over 150 projects across Asia. With deep reverence for Japanese aesthetics, he brings a design philosophy that fuses architectural discipline with timeless beauty, guiding each urushiome creation with clarity and intention.

More Than Furniture. A Legacy.

Why urushiome

urushiome creates functional art rooted in Japan’s lacquer tradition. Every tray, table, and sculpture carries the quiet soul of urushi and Japanese heritage—designed to bring presence, depth, and refinement into everyday life. Each piece is built to age gracefully, inviting you to live with something meaningful.

Heritage, Reimagined

Crafted Tradition

Our designs draw from centuries of urushi lacquerware and classical forms, then reinterpreted with contemporary lines and quiet elegance. urushiome’s signature aesthetic reflects restraint, harmony, and the Japanese ideal of shibui—subtle beauty that reveals itself over time.

The Art of Urushi

Natural Lacquer

Each piece is coated with genuine urushi (漆)—Japan’s oldest artistic material. Sustainably harvested, layered by hand, and polished to a luminous depth, urushi is more than a finish: it is a living surface that glows with age, use, and presence.

Handcrafted. Layer by Layer.

Artisanal Process

Every urushiome piece is shaped through meticulous, hand-layered craftsmanship. Dozens of urushi layers are applied, cured, and polished by artisans, revealing a depth and luster impossible to replicate. These are future heirlooms, created with care and soul.

Cultural Finishes, Timeless Details

Signature Embellishments

Our pieces are adorned with finishing touches drawn from Japanese cultural traditions—gold-leaf momiji, maki-e (蒔絵) designs, and Yūzen (友禅) inlays. Each element is placed with precision, telling a story through subtle contrast and visual harmony.