Japanese Maki-e Art Pianos & Guitars | Kyoto Lacquer Craftsmanship [EN]

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Handcrafted Japanese Maki-e Art Pianos

Makie Art Piano

Handcrafted Japanese art pianos created through the traditional Maki-e lacquer techniques of Kyoto.
Each instrument is individually finished by skilled artisans using natural urushi lacquer with intricate gold and silver detailing.
A timeless expression of Japanese craftsmanship, music, and fine art.

In addition to traditional Maki-e lacquer artistry, we incorporate Kyoto Opal — an innovative material developed in Kyoto that reveals subtle iridescent colours as light changes.
This fusion of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary expression allows each instrument to possess its own unique presence.
Experience the luminous depth and changing reflections of Kyoto Opal.

Example Kyoto Opal ‘The Play of Colour’ detailing

Kyoto Maki-e Craft Art Piano Series

Makie

This is the ‘Momiji’ design.

Blending traditional Kyoto lacquer techniques with the luminous iridescence of Kyoto Opal, this piece captures the rich colours of autumn foliage in Kyoto.
Its subtle reflections and layered depth evoke the quiet elegance and seasonal beauty deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics.

This is the ‘Poinsettia’ design.

Inspired by poinsettias and holly leaves associated with the winter season, this piece expresses the warmth and elegance of festive Japanese craftsmanship.
The rich red tones and delicate detailing create a refined presence suited to winter interiors and seasonal celebrations.

This is the ‘Cherry Blossoms’ design.

Inspired by the ‘Yoshino-mado’ windows found in Kyoto’s temples—which symbolise harmony and Zen aesthetics—this piece depicts the view of cherry blossoms seen through a round window, as well as the petals dancing in the breeze.
It captures the serene and ethereal Japanese beauty of spring in Kyoto.

About Our Kyoto Maki-e Art Pianos

Kyo-Maki-e is a traditional lacquer art form from Kyoto, distinguished by its delicate hand-drawn designs and refined gold and silver detailing.
This centuries-old technique involves drawing patterns in wet urushi lacquer before carefully applying gold, silver, and other metallic powders by hand.

With a history spanning more than 1,200 years, Maki-e remains one of Japan’s most celebrated forms of decorative craftsmanship.

At Shinwa Music, we collaborate with Kyoto lacquer artisans to create handcrafted art pianos that unite Japanese cultural artistry with musical craftsmanship.
One of our early works, created together with lacquer artist Kenji Omachi, was based on a Yamaha grand piano and is displayed in the entrance lobby of the Kyocera headquarters in Kyoto.

Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship Through Innovation

We believe traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve through new materials and contemporary forms of expression while preserving its authentic spirit.

By combining Kyoto Maki-e techniques with innovative materials such as Kyoto Opal, we seek to create artistic expressions that could only be achieved through the skill and sensitivity of human hands.

Objects created by artisans carry warmth, individuality, and a sense of lasting authenticity.
Through our work, we hope to help preserve and share the enduring beauty of Japanese craftsmanship for future generations.

Example Making Maki-e Art Pianos

Designs inspired by the beauty of Japan’s four seasons

Japanese art pianos, ideal for display in hotels, boutiques, private collections and luxury residences.

Grand Piano Kyoto edition ‘Poinsettia’ model

Grand Piano Kyoto edition ‘Cherry Blossoms’ model

Grand Piano Kyoto edition ‘Tulip’ model

Upright Piano Kyoto edition ‘Fireworks’ model

Bespoke Japanese Art Pianos

Our handcrafted Maki-e art pianos are created through the fusion of traditional Kyoto craftsmanship and contemporary artistic expression.

Each commission is individually produced in collaboration with skilled Japanese artisans, allowing every instrument to possess its own unique character and presence.

We welcome enquiries regarding bespoke projects, international exhibitions, luxury interiors, and private collections.

Musical Instruments Japanese Traditional Craft, Chinkin (Gold-Inlay) Model

沈金藝術電吉他

Every piece is individually finished by Japanese artisans using traditional lacquer techniques including Maki-e and Chinkin.
Rather than simply musical instruments, these creations are conceived as collectible works of art — designed to coexist naturally within refined interiors and cultural spaces.
We believe the beauty created by human hands carries warmth, tranquillity, and a sense of lasting authenticity.

The guitar shown above features ‘Red Fuji’, a symbol of good fortune in Japanese culture, expressed through the traditional Chinkin carving technique on black lacquer.
The contrast between the deep lacquer surface, delicate cherry blossoms, and the vivid red mountain reflects the quiet elegance and craftsmanship associated with Japanese aesthetics.

In addition to original compositions such as ‘Red Fuji’, we are also able to reinterpret iconic Japanese artworks — including Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa and works inspired by Hiroshige — through Maki-e and Chinkin techniques applied to pianos and guitars.
Each instrument is created as a unique playable art piece for collectors, interiors, and cultural environments.

We also welcome bespoke commissions tailored to private collections, luxury interiors, hospitality spaces, and brand collaborations.

This is the “Susuki-ni-Tsuki” model.

“Susuki-ni-Tsuki” means the autumn moon shining over pampas grass.

This is the “Kin-Fuji” model.

The phenomenon of Mt. Fuji shining golden in the morning or evening sunlight is called ‘Kin-Fuji’, and it is believed in Japan that catching a glimpse of it brings good luck.