伝統文化を知る

「漆のこころ」 第１回 うるしのある麗しいくらし

中根多香子＝YUI JAPAN主宰、NPO法人ウルシネクスト理事

漆箸＝撮影・中根多香子

漆とふれ合い、半世紀がたちます。母のふるさとが石川県の輪島であることから、輪島塗という工芸品がいつも身近にある環境に育ちました。漆のお箸やお椀をふだん遣いに、お正月などハレの日にはお重を並べて。輪島塗のある風景は、家族だんらんの幸せな記憶と結びついています。

けれども、漆の魅力に目覚めたのはずいぶん大人になってから。知人に紹介され訪れた個展で、ある漆芸作家さんと出会い、輪島塗がどれだけの手間と時間をかけて作られるのかを教わりました。作品にまつわるストーリーをお聞きするのが楽しくて楽しくて、漆という不思議な「生きもの」にすっかり魅了されました。

同時に、国産漆の自給率は当時わずか２%、道具の不足、職人さんの高齢化や後継者問題など、漆の文化が今や風前の灯（ともしび）であることを知り、大きな衝撃を受けたのです。いつもあたりまえのように傍らにあったものは、実はかけがえのないものだったのだと気づきました。帰り道、「私も何かお役に立てたら」という思いが芽生えたことを、今も鮮明に覚えています。情熱という名の火がついたとも、漆にかぶれた（!?）ともいえる、私の「うるし記念日」だったのかもしれません。

それから十数年、今では輪島塗の作り手と使い手とを結ぶお手伝い、漆の森づくりなどに関わらせていただいています。NPO法人ウルシネクストの活動もその一つ。「漆と社会をつなぐ」ことをミッションとして、企業や基金、地域団体と協働し、より多くの方々に関心を寄せてもらい、漆文化を支えている方々やムーブメントを支援しています。漆を増やす、生かす、使う、伝える活動を通じて、漆の文化と伝統を、新たな可能性とともに次世代へとつないでいくのが私たちの役目です。これも漆がたくさんの良いご縁をくっつけてくれたからこそ。それも強く、しっかりと。

はるか昔の縄文時代から、漆は塗料や接着剤として大切に使われてきました。みずみずしいつややかさ故でしょうか、漆の語源は麗し（うるわし）とも、潤し（うるおし）とも言われています。私はこの言葉に、漆の本質が宿ると考えています。「麗しい」とは、美しいという意味だけでなく、精神的に豊かであるという意味もあるそうです。漆は私たちの心を潤し、日々の暮らしを麗しいものにしてくれるのです。

手当たりの心地よさ、口当たりの和やかさを持つ漆の器に、暮らしの中の「美」を見いだします。例えばふだん、朝一番のお白湯（さゆ）は朱塗りのカップで、ヨーグルトは愛用の漆スプーンでいただきます。ご飯と汁ものをよそうのはやはり漆椀。輪島塗の酒器でたしなむ晩酌は格別です。お茶の時間には、飲み物がよりおいしく感じられる漆のマグカップやティーカップを。抹茶を楽しむ時、蒔絵（まきえ）が描かれたお棗（なつめ）や菓子皿に心が華やぎます。おもてなしのお重や屠蘇（とそ）器はお正月だけではなく、五節供などにも活用しています。

漆棚に季節の花や小物をしつらえ、着物をまとう日には、漆の髪飾りや帯留めで装いを彩ることも。衣・食・住さまざまな場面で、心の豊かさと安らぎをもたらしてくれると感じています。そして、良いものを長く大切に使う心、自然の恵みに感謝する心、大切なことをたくさん教えてくれるのです。

これから、漆をめぐるエピソードや気づき、四季折々の楽しみかたなどをつづってまいります。皆さまとともに「漆のこころ」に触れる旅の始まりとなりましたら幸いです。

※NPO法人ウルシネクスト　https://www.urushinext.org

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‘The Spirit of Urushi’ Part 1: A Beautiful Life with Urushi
Takako Nakane = Director of YUI JAPAN, Director of NPO Urushi Next

Urushi chopsticks = Photo by Takako Nakane

It has been half a century since I first encountered Urushi (Japanese lacquer). Growing up in an environment where Wajima Urushi was always close at hand, as my mother's hometown is Wajima in Is Ishikawa Prefecture. We used Ｗajima lacquerware chopsticks and bowls in our daily lives, and on special occasions like New Year's Day, we would arrange Ｗajima lacquerware boxes. The sight of Wajima lacquerware is tied to happy memories of family gatherings.

However, it wasn't until I was much older that I truly discovered the charm of urushi. At a solo exhibition I visited after being introduced by a friend, I met a urushi artist who taught me about the immense effort and time required to create Wajima lacquerware. Hearing the stories behind the works was so fascinating that I became completely captivated by this mysterious ‘living thing’ called urushi.

At the same time, I was deeply shocked to learn that the self-sufficiency rate for domestically produced urushi was a mere 2% at the time, and that the culture of urushi was now on the brink of extinction due to shortages of tools, the aging of craftsmen, and succession issues. I realised that the things I had always taken for granted were actually irreplaceable. On the way home, I clearly remember the thought, ‘I want to do something to help,’ sprouting in my mind. It was perhaps my ‘urushi anniversary,’ when the flame of passion was ignited, or perhaps I was simply ‘bitten by the urushi bug’ (!?).

Over the past decade or so, I have been involved in connecting the makers and users of Wajima lacquerware, as well as in efforts to create a ‘urushi forest.’ The activities of the NPO Urushi Next are one such initiative. With the mission of ‘connecting urushi with society,’ we collaborate with companies, foundations, and local organisations to raise awareness among more people and support those who uphold urushi culture and the movement. Through activities that increase, utilise, and promote urushi, our role is to pass on urushi culture and tradition to the next generation with new possibilities. This is all thanks to urushi bringing together so many good connections. Strongly and firmly.

Since the Jomon period long ago,urushi has been used as a paint and adhesive. Perhaps because of its fresh lustre, the origin of the word ‘urushi’ is said to be ‘uruwashi’ (beautiful) or “uruoshi” (moisture). I believe that this word embodies the essence of urushi. ‘Uruwashi’ means not only beautiful, but also spiritually rich. urushi nourishes our hearts and makes our daily lives beautiful.

I find beauty in everyday life through lacquerware, which offers the comfort of its texture and the warmth of its feel. For example, I enjoy my morning hot water in a red-lacquered cup and my yogurt with my favourite lacquer spoon. When serving rice and soup, I always use a lacquer bowl. Enjoying an evening drink from a Ｗajima lacquerware sake set is a special treat. During tea time, lacquerware mugs and teacups make the drink taste even better. When enjoying matcha, the heart is enlivened by lacquerware with maki-e designs, such as a natume (tea caddy) or a sweets plate. Lacquerware boxes and toso (New Year's sake) sets are not only used during New Year's, but also during the Five Festivals.

Seasonal flowers and small items are displayed on the lacquerware shelf, and on days when wearing a kimono, lacquer hair ornaments and obi clips add a touch of elegance to the outfit. In various aspects of life, such as clothing, food, and housing, urushi brings a sense of richness and peace of mind. It also teaches us the importance of cherishing good things for a long time, being grateful for the blessings of nature, and many other valuable lessons.

Going forward, I will share stories and insights about urushi, as well as ways to enjoy it throughout the seasons. I hope this marks the beginning of a journey to explore the ‘heart of urushi’ together with all of you.

※NPO Urushi Next https://www.urushinext.org