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Hello, I'm Sugawara, the designer. It's been a few weeks since pre-orders for the 20th-anniversary model "Shikkoku Lizard" began. The response has been beyond our imagination, and it has reaffirmed the significance of the passion we poured into this project.
Last time, I discussed the overall concept of "why jet black, why lizard."
This second installment will focus on the **"handle,"** a component that can be considered the "soul" of this bag. What we chose for this bag was neither a mere leather handle nor a resin grip. It is a custom-made black lacquer handle, imbued with the techniques of **"Echizen Lacquerware,"** a traditional craft that Fukui Prefecture boasts to the world.
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1. Encountering "Echizen Lacquer," a 1500-year-old tradition
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"Lacquer (Urushi) for a bag handle."
Behind this seemingly impossible challenge was an encounter with artisans from Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, a lacquerware production area with over 1500 years of history. Lacquer, or "Urushi," has been a symbol of Japan for centuries, even referred to as "Japan" itself. However, it is an extremely delicate material. The slightest change in temperature or humidity can alter its appearance.
What we sought was a **"jet-black with a captivating, unfathomable depth"** that would not be overshadowed by the strong texture of the lizard. We realized that only "genuine lacquer," applied in multiple layers and meticulously polished, could achieve this ideal.
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2. The ultimate feel, pursuing "beauty in utility"
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The handle is where the owner's hand touches the bag every time.
Our strongest request to the artisans was not only for visual beauty but also for **"a texture that adheres to the palm." The greatest features of Echizen lacquerware are its robustness and the increasing luster it gains with use.
This handle begins with carving the wooden form. The shape is adjusted down to the millimeter to fit the curve of the palm. Then, artisans use brushes to apply thin, even layers of lacquer. Applied once, dried, polished, and applied again.
By repeating this mind-numbingly precise process countless times, the unique "moist texture" of lacquer is created. It feels warm even in the cold morning of winter, and never unpleasant during the sweaty summer. This "beauty in utility" is the ultimate functionality achieved by traditional crafts. |
3. Contrast of jet black: the dynamism of lizard and the serenity of lacquer
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In this design, our utmost commitment was to **"the contrast of black."**
Lizard PVC leather, with each embossed pattern reflecting light, represents a "dynamic" black. In contrast, the Echizen lacquer handle is a "serene" black, allowing light to penetrate deeply and quietly holding it within.
When these two entirely different blacks merge into one bag, it acquires a dignity beyond a mere fashion item, becoming a kind of "craftwork."
Every time you grip the handle, the smooth sensation of lacquer is conveyed to your fingertips, naturally straightening the owner's posture. We wanted to offer such an experience to everyone. |
4. Another story called aging
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 Lacquer is a living material.
It's not finished the moment you acquire it. Over 5 or 10 years of use, the oils from your hands and friction will deepen its blackness and increase its transparency. It ages with its owner, maturing together.
Instead of being "most beautiful when new," our wish for this 20th-anniversary bag is that it will be **"most beautiful after 10 years."**
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5. From the hands of artisans to your hands
Currently, artisans in Echizen are meticulously polishing each handle in the workshop.
The slight individual differences inherent in handmade items, which mass-produced products can never imitate. These are proof that this is "yours alone," unique in the world. Even if this handle gets damaged, it can be re-lacquered and repaired, just like other lacquerware. It's meant to be cherished for a long time, passed down through generations.
"Shikkoku Lizard" is also a challenge to such sustainable aesthetics. In the next blog post (scheduled for May 23rd), I will finally discuss the selection of "lizard PVC material," which determines the expression of this bag, and the **three luxurious limited edition bonuses for the 20th anniversary.**
We will reveal everything about our "aesthetic sense" refined over 20 years. Please look forward to it. |
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There are many good clothes for men, but few bags. So we decided to make our own. With that honest thought, we launched the leather bag brand "YOUTA" in 2006. The material I focused on, having worked in various apparel-related fields such as clothing, watches, and shoes, was synthetic leather. It is a lightweight and rain-resistant material that requires no maintenance. Another reason I chose synthetic leather is that it is a "vegan leather" made from non-animal materials that are suitable for modern times. Through manufacturing, a traditional Japanese culture, we aim to provide a comfortable business life for working people and to support Japan's manufacturing industry. Representative Kenta Sugawara
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