Founded as a family lacquerware business in 1945, Otsuji Sikki was incorporated in 1976 and adopted its current legal form in 1996. Its roots lie in preparing lacquerware surfaces in Yamanaka Onsen, a background that continues to inform its approach to making useful, beautifully finished objects.

Led by Mutsumi Otsuji, the company brings its expertise in coating and decorative finishes to stationery and small accessories, creating pieces to enjoy at home or give as gifts.

The company specializes in screen maki-e, a contemporary approach that combines screen-printed designs with the application of gold and colored powders. Artisans adjust the colors, printing pressure and alignment of successive screens to build up detailed patterns and lettering.

Surfaces are also prepared using spray coatings applied by hand. Materials and finishes vary by product: the range includes wooden pieces as well as items made from ABS resin and other materials with urethane coatings.

An introduction featured on the company’s official website.

TSUNAGUYO Notebook — New Growth

A notebook cover decorated with maki-e, bringing the rhythm and detail of Japanese pattern design to everyday writing.

Moon Rabbit Compact Mirror

A portable round mirror featuring a moon-and-rabbit motif, turning an everyday accessory into a small expression of Japanese design.

Iris Musical Jewelry Box

A small jewelry box with an iris design and a built-in music box, combining practical storage with decorative detail.

Images from the company’s official website. The range also includes goshuin books for collecting temple and shrine stamps, tea canisters, natsume tea caddies, business card holders, hand mirrors and mouse pads.

Launched in 2021, TSUNAGUYO brings together Kyoto’s Isa Monyo stencil designs and Yamanaka maki-e decoration in a collection of notebook covers. Motifs such as knots, chrysanthemums and new growth carry their own associations and meanings into an everyday writing companion.

The notebook inside can be replaced, allowing the cover to be used again. The company’s account of the project describes a close development process with the Isa Monyo design studio, from selecting patterns to refining the colors.

Otsuji Sikki offers company names and logos on existing products, as well as custom maki-e designs developed from the initial pattern and color palette. Each project is shaped around its purpose, quantity, budget and delivery schedule, with materials and finishes considered before production begins.

Past projects featured on the official website include commemorative trays for sumo wrestler Kotoshogiku’s retirement ceremony, wooden presentation boxes for eyewear brand Ptolemy48, and goshuin stamp books for Eiheiji Temple. Options extend beyond decoration to the choice of material, color and box specifications.

Minimum quantities and lead times depend on the product and design. Please inquire about your project’s requirements.