Hakumin Urushi Kobo was founded by Ernest Shin, an American lacquer artist devoted to creating contemporary pieces of lacquerware by combining traditional Japanese techniques with new materials, techniques and artistic influences. Although urushi and the lacquer craft has developed over the course of several millennia, it is such a versitile medium that there are still the potential for new ideas, techniques and designs.   Hakumin Urushi specializes in the lacquerwork of fine writing instruments. Although lacquerwork on fine pens is a relatively recent tradition, it is wholly suited for the purpose. The small substrate shows off the exquisite detail and craftsmanship and the nature of a pen requires the admirer to touch and hold the piece; just as it is essential to experience urushi to the fullest.   Hakumin Urushi is dedicated to help advance the knowledge of urushi in the world outside of Japan, where it is not as well known and information cannot be found so readily. We aim to provide admirers and enthusiasts with the proper knowledge about urushi and lacquerwork to help ensure that the craft of using this versatile medium is not forgotten so that future generations may also experience the beauty urushi.