Maki-e "Silver Void" Urushi Keycaps
Unreal Keyboards certifies that this Maki-e Happy Hacking Keyboard Collection Silver Void 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 silver dust to both homing tabs, completes the final product. The craftsmanship involved in Maki-e Urushi extends beyond the lacquer application itself, with silver powder swirled into the design of the Esc key. 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.