Our Story

HIROSHIGE is a line of artisan-made collector-grade accessories that introduce time-honored artistic traditions, historical craftwork and materials at affordable price points. This new line of products is a reminder of our humble beginnings, and aspires to incorporate the very best of Edo-period art and reinvent them into a fresh, avant-garde aesthetic.

HIROSHIGE aims to disrupt all sensibilities of price-performance – to bring what was previously exclusive and loftily priced, to new benchmarks of accessibility that can be enjoyed by all. Central to this effort is an element of authenticity, and this authenticity is anchored by our acquisition of original artworks by legendary Ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858).  

Utagawa Hiroshige

Born Andō Tokutarō, Utagawa Hiroshige was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition. Hiroshige was a wholly self-taught and fiercely independent artist who was known to be very poetic with his art, creating beautiful scenes of idealized nature whilst maintaining strong realism throughout his romantic work. His ukiyo-e crafts revealed a somewhat tangible yet intimate beauty — a human touch that no artists of his era managed to achieve. It popularized Japonisme — and his exotic, decorative works influenced old masters such as Van Gogh, Cézanne, Whistler and Monet.

From Traditional Artwork to Modern Timepieces

Each designs are carefully reinterpreted through modern craftsmanship, guided by patience, precision, and a deep respect for detail.

Traditional Japanese Craftsmanship
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KOSHU INDEN

Koshu Inden is a traditional craft of the Yamanashi Prefecture, in which the designs are applied using Urushi lacquer onto deer leather. Originally created as a material for samurai armor, the Inden technique evolved into crafts for useful goods for the nobility during the Edo period.

The HIROSHIGE INDEN is crafted by a certified master craftsman at every step of the production process. The application of Japanese urushi is a delicate art that demands precision and patience. Because Japanese urushi is sensitive to temperature, humidity, and other seasonal factors, it requires many skills to apply evenly. Only five other ‘master’ level craftsmen exist today and can produce exceptional INDEN of impeccable quality. 

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TAMENURI URUSHI

Tamenuri Urushi is a traditional Japanese lacquering technique, built through the careful layering of translucent lacquer over time.

This technique involves applying a brightly colored base layer of urushi (most commonly red, but also green, yellow, or other colors) and covering it with one or more layers of transparent or semi-transparent lacquer (suki-urushi)
As each layer settles, a subtle depth begins to emerge revealing tones that shift gently with light and wear.

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CHINKIN

Chinkin is a technique of remarkable precision. Fine lines are delicately carved into the lacquered surface, before being inlaid with gold or metallic powder. Each incision is guided entirely by hand, requiring absolute control and focus. There is no room for error every mark is permanent, every detail intentional.

Through 職人技 (shokunin waza), intricate patterns emerge — subtle yet striking, where craftsmanship is expressed not through layers, but through line and detail. The result is a refined interplay of texture and light, where gold rests seamlessly within the lacquer.