Unreal Keyboards certifies that this HG Happy Hacking Keyboard Collection Wabi-sabi 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, completes the final product. A full year of production time was required to complete the process.
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.
Heritage
HHKB HG Japan
To celebrate their 10th anniversary, PFU created a fully metal version of its iconic HHKB keyboard, adorned by Wajima-nuri Urushi Keycaps. Originally selling for 500,000 Yen and with its limited global production of only 20 units, the value of this keyboard today is immeasurable.
Artist
Yan Wu from Fuzhou, Fujian in China. Her family has a long history of working with the traditional art, going back as far as the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912). Thanks to her 30 years of experience, Yan has become a distinguished expert capable of producing the gold and raden inlaid urushi known as maki-e.
Region
Fuzhou, Fujian, China. One of the major regions in China famous for lacquer art. Its style is distinctive for its light, corrosion-free and waterproof finish. Fuzhou is also home to the College of Zhidao International Lacquer Art. Urushiol, the resin used in urushi painting, is tapped from local trees and exported for use around the world.
Technique
A variation of the Wajima-Nuri style of Urushi from Wajima, Ishikawa, Japan. The same techniques are employed as the original HHKB HG keycaps.
Maki-e
Maki-e consists of inlaying gold or silver in the lacquer itself. Mother of pearl, raden, and tin are also used to create masterful designs and exquisite works of art. This 1500 year old art calls for extreme expertise to master.