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.
Besides 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 for 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 repair 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 the 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 materials, we create interior decorative works that deliver distinctive value to corporations, architects, and spatial design concepts.
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 validating 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 made with Duco’s proprietary materials are chosen as commemorative items, premium corporate gifts, and tokens of appreciation at key business milestones.
These pieces embody 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
Experience the “spirit” behind making—not just technique—and awaken creativity.
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
Not only restoring valuable assets, but redesigning them for modern living.
Duco restores important pieces with traditional techniques, and when needed, redesigns them to suit contemporary lifestyles.
We preserve the essence while giving each piece a renewed presence.
By safeguarding the essence through time‑honored craftsmanship, we imbue each piece with a renewed presence befitting the modern 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 expressions of urushi—transcending conventional categories—into five domains that reflect the untapped natural forces inherent in this material.
Please explore categories 1 through 5.
