Masamichi Sawai

Style

Mother-of-pearl Inlay by Sawai Studio
The mother-of-pearl inlay small boxes and accessories crafted at my workshop are built upon a base of ebony, a high-quality wood. They are intricately decorated using Joboji lacquer—which is also utilized in the restoration of World Heritage sites—as well as beautifully shimmering natural abalone and great green turban shell. For my tea utensils, I use Japanese cherry birch.
In today's mechanized world, I remain committed to traditional handcraftsmanship. Each piece shines with the skill of handmade craftsmanship, making every single item a unique masterpiece in the world.

Biography

• 1949
  Born in Sumida Ward, Tokyo
• 1965
  Entered apprenticeship to become a kanzashi (hairpin) craftsman
• 1984
  Became independent from the kanzashi workshop to pursue an original creative world that blends kanzashi and mother-of-pearl inlay techniques
• 1994
  Relocated with family to Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture
• 2012
  Relocated the workshop to Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
• 2016
  Crafted return gifts for the Iwate National Sports Festival, which were then presented to the Imperial Family by the Governor of Iwate Prefecture

Awards

• 2009
  Received the Iwate Prefecture Governor Award at the FY2009 Iwate Specialty Products Competition
• 2014
  Received the Iwate Prefecture Governor Award at the FY2014 Iwate Specialty Products Competition
• 2024
  Received the Iwate Prefectural Master Craftsman Award (Mother-of-pearl Inlay Crafts)