Zohiko, Kyoto lacquer ware

Zohiko is a leading Kyoto lacquerware establishment. Boasting an epic history, the company got its start in Kyoto in the year 1661 as a Chinese-imported goods shop called Zoge-ya (literally meaning an “ivory shop”). Later, Nishimura Hikobei I, who apprenticed at the shop, took over the helm in 1731 after his master’s family became extinct, at which time it became known as “Zoge-ya Hikobei.” An old illustration of the store shows a large red lacquer dish on the far right in front. A forerunner of the window display, it undoubtedly made quite the impression.