Raden Maki-e "HHKB HG Red" Urushi Keycaps
Unreal Keyboards certifies that this “Happy Hacking Keyboard HG” Style Urushi set has been made solely by the distinguished urushi-shi artisan, Yan Wu, in Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
Nestled in one of China’s lacquer art cultural centers, the Wu family have been working with this ancient art style for over 100 years. This experience allows Yan to carefully select the highest quality raw materials and employ various traditional methods to create stunning works of art, something she has been mastering over the last 30 years.
The creation of Urushi involves a meticulous and time-consuming process that requires great skill and precision. These keycaps are treated with dozens of processes of Roiro-Urushi lacquer finish, with each layer polished by hand. A final decorating technique called maki-e, the application of gold powder to each key and homing tab, adds a touch of prestige to the set.
A unique row 4 key has been made exclusively for this set, a Kara-nuri Urushi Artisan. To achieve the unique color pattern that characterizes Kara-nuri, multiple layers of lacquer are applied and then polished by hand in a process known as Roiro-Urushi. The craftsmanship involved in Kara-nuri Urushi extends beyond the lacquer application itself, as bits of raden were inlaid and gold powder swirled into the design of this prized key. 50 layers of Roiro-Urushi were repeated over the course of a 12 month period to achieve the final product.
Urushi lacquer has long been associated with prestige and luxury. Throughout history, it has been favored by nobility, emperors, and wealthy patrons who sought to acquire objects of unparalleled beauty. The rarity and complexity of the art form, combined with the exceptional craftsmanship required, contribute to its exclusivity and high value.
As beautiful as your keycaps are to admire, it is also meant to be enjoyed on a treasured keyboard. The unique properties of Urushi lacquer make for an incredibly resilient, lustrous and smooth finish that is highly resistant to scratches and wear.