In 2017, Lara Bohinc carried out an artist residency in Wajima, Japan, known as the manufacturing heart of Urushi, the centuries old Japanese lacquer technique. Lara created two designs for boxes made in Katsura tree wood and covered with cotton fabric, upon which multiple layers of urushi lacquer (deriving from the sap of the lacquer tree) are applied. The traditional red and black lacquer colours are replaced with new pastel shades, developed especially by craftsman Master Nakakado, with whom Bohinc worked closely on this project. The process required time and patience, as each piece is constructed entirely by hand and has up to thirty layers of lacquer, all applied manually.

This is the first time Bohinc has created objects using lacquer and also her first time working with wood. 

Urushi boxes are an important part of the Japanese lacquer industry, and Bohinc has created two boxes combining this ancient technique with her signature geometric and playful style. The shapes are inspired by architecture, Bauhaus and children’s wooden toys. They resemble an assemblage of autonomous components, but form one harmonious body.Limited edition of 10 boxes.

Bohinc Studio’s Urushi boxes were shown as part of Fumi Gallery’s exhibition “Now and Then” during LDF 2018.

The Rising Moon Table and Setting Sun chair were first shown in November 2019 at gallery Fumi's show Chance Encounters.

The Rising Moon Table and Setting Sun Chair, command attention with their sleek design and bold colours. 

Dimensions: Chair, 80 x 50 x h 115 cm / Desk 170 x 85 x h 79.5 cm

 



Three As One is a play of slopes and angles, interlocking male and female round boxes, with smaller round compartment.

Dimensions: 31 x 21 x h 10.5 cm

Material: Katsura Tree (Cinnamomum cassia), Ginkgo Tree, Urushi ( Japanese lacquer), cotton fabric, Gold leaf

 

 

 

We Are Family consists of one principal box, which is adjoined by a smaller circular one.

Dimensions: 40 x 30 x h 18.5 cm

Material: Katsura Tree (Cinnamomum cassia), Ginkgo Tree, Urushi ( Japanese lacquer), cotton fabric, Gold leaf