HAKO | 箱
The name HAKO is rooted in the venerable tradition of “hakogaki,” the wooden box signed by master craftsmen in Japan
Zazen meditation with Kawakami-sensei (Head Priest of Shunko-in Temple)
My journey into craft is thanks to a serendipitous encounter with Masataka Hosoo, a dear friend and mentor, who carries on the 300-year-old kimono firm as the 12th generation director of HOSOO. Under his guidance, my senses unfurled to the bespoke world of craft luxury, where the allure stretches from the intricate folds of exquisite kimonos to the contemplative ambiance of tea ceremonies and the meditative practice of zazen. For a more in-depth exploration of my journey into this captivating world, feel free to delve into my previous article titled “Weaving Centuries — Bringing 300-year-old Craft On-chain”.
In this piece, my primary aim is to introduce you to HAKO and illuminate the path through which you, too, can venture into the world of craft.
Whether you are an avid collector, an artist, or even a tourist, I believe we all have so much to learn from the craftsmen. For us, HAKO is not just about collecting craft; it’s about embracing history, provenance, and the cultural richness that comes with it. It is a statement, a commitment to life wisdom, a way for those who seek to be regarded as patrons of culture rather than mere collectors of things.
Hakogaki (Signature on wooden boxes of Hosai Matsubayashi)
The name HAKO is rooted in the venerable tradition of “hakogaki,” the wooden box signed by master craftsmen that carries crafts of immense value from cherished family heirloom kimonos to delicate tea bowls. The hakogaki serves as a guardian, enveloping these precious crafts to preserve not only their physical integrity but also their meticulous process of creation. Beyond its protective role, these sacred boxes play a crucial role in the documentation of authenticity and the safekeeping of significant ownership records, adding a layer of historical resonance to the craft they hold.
“When the time comes for a collector to sell a craft work, they would not only pass on the craft but also the original box, which would then receive an additional layer of boxes bearing the collector’s signature. Over time, these wooden boxes grew, encapsulating the entire history of the craft.” — Masataka Hosoo
Digital hakogaki (a.k.a. Blockchain)
Inspired by the venerable tradition of hakogaki, we are introducing a modern adaptation: the digital signature. We envision a future where each craftwork carries a digital imprint from the master craftsmen and their collaborators, serving as an authentication to the craft’s lineage and history, meticulously tracing its evolution from its inception to ownership records. This digital transparency extends to the financial realm, where revenue sharing among craftsmen, artisans, and collectors is laid bare, fostering an environment of transparency.
Going beyond transparency, we will like to facilitate a deeper connection between patrons and artisans. We are creating a community where craftsmen extend invitations for artists and patrons to visit their workshops through online or in-person programs, welcoming us to delve into the nuances of their creations, and offering personal workshops that transforms the patron from a mere collector into a student of their craft process.
Workshop with Hosai Matsubayashi (16th generation pottery maker of ASAHIYAKI)
HAKO’s core mission is to preserve and share the legacy of craftsmanship through Digital Hakogaki, ensuring the craft's provenance is meticulously digitized and accessible to both collectors and artisans alike.
Whether you are an artist seeking collaboration with a craftsman or a collector eager to support their artistry, our digital craft network facilitates your journey with utmost respect and care.
The experience reaches its zenith when you step into the craftsman’s workshop for the first time—a profound moment akin to a pilgrimage. Here, the craftsman not only shares their physical craft but also imparts life wisdom woven into the artistry itself, fostering a deep connection that is sure to inspire many future visits.
First Meeting ‘はじめまして’ (at the Nichi Nichi sake brewery)
This is the essence of HAKO — an endeavor born from the desire to transform the act of collecting into a profound journey. If you’re eager to embark on this adventure with us, to be among the first to explore our upcoming launches, we invite you to join us.
Sign up on HAKO, where craft transcends transactional boundaries, and every collector becomes a cherished participant in the ongoing narrative of art and craftsmanship.
Join us on HAKO’s Instagram for an immersive journey deep into the heart of Japanese craft culture!
Picture Credit to Hide Suzuki Sincere Gratitude to Masataka Hosoo, Hosai Matsubayahi XVI, Rev. Takafumi Zenryu Kawakami, Hidehiko Matsumoto