“Change tattoo”をミッションに、タトゥーのイメージを変え、アートとしての価値を世界に発信する「Bizen art tattoo studio」の関西旗上げ店「京都東山美漸」が今年3月、京都・祇園にオープンしました。

東京・表参道、原宿に続く３店舗目は、お茶屋や花街文化が息づく京都・祇園。町家を改装し、伝統文化と、アートを融合させた店舗デザインで、当社は床の漆加工と店の看板を担当させて頂きました。

"Kyoto Higashiyama Bizen," the first Kansai flagship of Bizen Art Tattoo Studio, opened this April in Gion, Kyoto. Driven by the mission to "Change Tattoo," the studio aims to redefine the image of tattoos and promote their value as a legitimate form of art to the world.

Following their locations in Omotesando and Harajuku, this third branch is situated in the heart of Gion, where the traditional Ochaya (teahouse) and Hanamachi (geisha district) cultures remain vibrant. The studio is housed in a renovated traditional Machiya townhouse, featuring a design that seamlessly blends traditional heritage with contemporary art. Our company was honored to be part of this project, handling the urushi lacquer finishing for the flooring and the production of the storefront signage.

EXILE・TAKAHIRO氏の書を看板に

お茶屋さんを彷彿させる風情ある露路を通って突き当たりがtattoo studio。通りに面したその入口に掲げられているのが、寺社仏閣や茶室の看板、額などを伝統工法で制作する手彫り職人が手掛けた店の看板。当社で監修させて頂きました。欅の白木に漆で金箔を施した「美漸」の文字は、EXILE・TAKAHIRO氏の書。その文字を手彫りし、立体的に仕上げた職人技です。

Passing through a charming, atmospheric alley reminiscent of a traditional Ochaya (teahouse), you reach the tattoo studio at the far end. At the entrance facing the street hangs the shop's signage, which our company had the honor of supervising.

The sign was crafted by a master hand-carving artisan who specializes in creating traditional signboards and plaques for temples, shrines, and tea rooms using time-honored techniques. The characters for "Bizen" (美漸) were originally calligraphed by TAKAHIRO of EXILE. These letters, carved into untreated Japanese Zelkova (Keyaki) wood and finished with gold leaf applied over urushi, showcase the exquisite craftsmanship that brings the calligraphy to life in a stunning three-dimensional form.

伝統とアートが融合した漆と錫と炭の床

店舗の階段と畳を隔てる廊下の床板は、当社にて漆と錫粉、炭粉を使って「四分一塗り」という技法で仕上げさせて頂きました。錫の金属感と炭のマットな質感が大胆に重なり合い、そこに漆を施すことで、品の良い艶感を纏う。まさに、伝統とアートが融合した床が完成しました。

For the floorboards separating the staircase from the tatami-matted area, we applied a specialized finishing technique known as "Shibuichi-nuri," utilizing a blend of urushi lacquer, tin powder, and charcoal powder.

This finish creates a bold interplay between the metallic sheen of the tin and the deep, matte texture of the charcoal. By layering urushi over these elements, the surface takes on an elegant, refined luster. The result is a floor that perfectly embodies the fusion of tradition and contemporary art.

日本を代表する伝統工芸の匠やアーティストが集結

京都東山美漸オープンにあたり、瓦や畳、提灯に盆栽など、日本の伝統文化や技術を継承する職人たちが集結。美漸のコンセプトに相応しく、伝統とアートを融合させた、唯一無二の空間を演出。

"For the grand opening of Kyoto Higashiyama BIZEN, master artisans specialized in traditional Japanese crafts—from roof tiles and tatami mats to lanterns and bonsai—have gathered. Reflecting BIZEN’s core philosophy, they have created a one-of-the-kind space where heritage and art converge in perfect harmony."