Objects for life

The history of urushi goes back 10,000 years in Japan. Over time, it has become one of the country’s iconic traditional crafts. Today it is on the verge of extinction. But now Maison 2,3 has reinterpreted this beautiful culture, bringing back to life with modern elegance.

Urushi is a natural lacquer that was used to preserve wood at a time when supplies of the natural resource were scare in Japan. In order to prevent wooden vessels, jewellery and other objects from decaying, people would coat them with urushi lacquer so that they could be used for a long time. Some believed that urushi gave things eternal life. In fact, the moisture provided by the lacquer, which is made of sap from a particular tree, can give products life for around 1000 years. We found this technique fascinating and are amazed by its beauty. Disposable paper cups that normally last just 10 seconds can have their lifespan extended by 100 years when painted with urushi lacquer. Maison 2,3 is introducing a new world of urushi through a never-seen-before collection, using the designers respect for the Shinto spiritual belief that the divine exists everywhere in nature and in the whole of creation.

Ancient jewellery
Forgotten memories

The history of Japan’s unique jewellery tradition is not widely known. Over time, urushi lacquer developed not only for the purpose of preservation, but also for its aesthetic qualities. Now, with the launch of our urushi collection, Japanese jewellery that was largely forgotten for 150 years has been reborn.

While working on urushi, we started exploring other elements of classic Japanese jewellery. Alongside urushi crafts, there was also a long history of metal and platinum craftmen in the country who developed their own unique jewellery crafts. These were symbols of elegance established among the royal family, the aristocrats and samurai society. The exterior of armor and swords were the accessories as well as weapons. The history of amazing Japanese jewellery was forgotten with the advent of civilization 150 years ago and we believe we can be revived in through our collection. As a design house that inherits Japanese classics, Maison 2,3 captures the memories of forgotten jewellery, reviving and reinterpreting the oldest and most elegant urushi jewellery as a contemporary pieces.

Objects

Jewellery

About

The journey of Maison 2,3 has just begun.

The story of Maison 2,3 has begun since two Japanese designers Koshiro Ebata and Hiroyuki Mizuno met in 2019. After achieving success with their own brands, they started their journey together as Maison 2,3 working with artisans as a team to create something beautiful that truly lasts. In 2023, Maison 2,3 has launched its urushi collection that chronicles the beauty of all existence over the passage of time.

Information

Date.
Tue 28 May 2024 - Fri 31 May 2024
Opening hours 11:00 - 18:00

Place.
GALERIE JOSEPH PARIS
78 rue de turenne, Paris 75003