What Duco does
Duco develops urushi‑based materials that merge traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
We design approaches that transcend existing frameworks and expand what is possible.
From Hands, Comes the Only One in the World.
Concept
Duco builds on time‑honored craftsmanship, fusing natural urushi lacquer with advanced materials and modern technologies to unlock new possibilities.
Through cross‑industry collaboration, we create unprecedented value and experiences, delivering a singular presence that resonates with today’s world.
Beyond material development and manufacturing, we organize seminars and educational programs that pass on the skills and spirit of master artisans to the next generation—cultivating urushi as a material for the future.
These material innovations form the foundation for our commissioned production with architectural design firms, as well as the creation of our in‑house Rhus product line.
Service
Six Core Technologies & Materials
Materials and Development Techniques that Reveal New Dimensions of Urushi
Building on 25 years of restoration expertise and traditional techniques passed down since the Edo period, Duco has been developing original urushi‑based materials since 2003.
Our six proprietary material technologies continue to evolve, harnessing the inherent qualities of natural urushi to achieve a wide spectrum of expressions and advanced functional performance.
01Architectural & Spatial Art Production
Decorative Art born from Six Materials
We translate an architect’s concept into tangible form through the depth, texture, and technical precision of urushi.
Each piece is crafted as an art element that integrates seamlessly into its surrounding space.
Duco’s six proprietary material technologies—modern reconstructions of natural urushi’s optical properties and traditional techniques—offer expressive capabilities found nowhere else.
Leveraging these material, we create interior decorative works that deliver distinctive value to corporations, architects, and spatial design projects.
02Co‑Creative Development
Co‑Creating New Aesthetics Beyond Conventional Boundaries
Duco conducts compatibility testing not only with its own materials but also with the diverse substrates handled by partner companies—evaluating and verifying how urushi can perform at its highest potential.
From material analysis and prototyping to optimization for mass production, we support the entire development process as a collaborative partner.
Together, we shape new value where the strengths of both technologies resonate and expand into unexplored possibilities.
03Product Creation
Crafted for Memorable Milestones
Products created with Duco’s proprietary materials are chosen as commemorative items, premium corporate gifts, and tokens of appreciation at key business milestones.
Each piece embodies a sense of significance and intention, making them ideal for moments that deserve to be remembered.
04Seminars & Creative Programs
Sharpening Sensibility Through the Spirit of craftsmanship
Our programs focus on the ethos of craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Participants experience the mindset behind making, refine their sensibilities, and rediscover individual creativity— a process that elevates the creative potential of entire organizations.
05Repair & Redesign
Breathing New Life into What Matters
Duco not only restores valuable assets but also redesigns them for modern living. We preserve the essence of each piece through time‑honored craftsmanship, giving it a renewed presence that resonates with the contemporary era.
Portfolio & Achievements
Our work spans collaborations with architects, OEM development for corporate clients, and a wide range of specialized projects.
Here, we present a selection of these achievements.
We also classify the expanding expression of urushi—transcending conventional categories—into five domains that reflect the untapped natural forces inherent in this material.
Please explore Categories 1 through 5.
