Floating Urushi

“I DON’T CONSIDER WHAT I DO AS A JOB – I AM AT MY HAPPIEST WHEN CREATING THE BEAUTIFUL FINISHES THAT WE HAVE DEVELOPED OVER MANY YEARS, BUILDING ON THE ANCIENT TECHNIQUES OF PAST URUSHI MASTERS. I FEEL VERY PROUD AND HONOURED TO BE WORKING IN THIS MEDIUM AND PRODUCING ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE FINISHES ON EVERY PIECE THAT PASSES THROUGH OUR STUDIO.”

Sergej Kirilov is a fourth-generation woodworker and master craftsman renowned for his exceptional skill and groundbreaking contributions to Japanese Urushi lacquer. With roots in a family of Latvian furniture makers, Sergej’s artistry embodies a seamless blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Growing up surrounded by his great-grandfather’s workshop legacy, Sergej inherited a profound respect for woodworking and a natural aptitude for creating. His formal education at the prestigious Arts and Crafts College in St. Petersburg, Russia, provided the foundation for his expertise, where he studied the works of legendary furniture makers such as Charles Boulle, David Roentgen, and Jean-Henri Riesener. Inspired by these masters, Sergej developed a meticulous approach to his craft, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities.

After honing his skills as both a craftsman and educator to aspiring artisans for several years, Sergej established his workshop in the Netherlands, specializing in the restoration of antique furnitureand the creation of bespoke commissions. Hispursuit of something extraordinary led him to thetransformative art of Japanese Urushi lacquer-amedium he has reimagined with groundbreakingtechniques that set his work apart on the global stage.

Among his innovations in Urushi Craft is the Ishimejitechnique, a method that creates a striking three-dimensional effect in Urushi finishes. This meticulousprocess combines layers of gold leaf, mother of pearl,eggshell, and dried crushed urushi, resulting in finishesthat are rich in depth, texture, and luminosity. Sergej’swillingness to experiment and transcend culturaltraditions has redefined the possibilities of Urushi craft.

For Sergej, creating is more than a profession-it is alifelong passion driven by an unwavering dedication toexcellence. His work, combining timeless artistry withmodern innovation, cements his status as a true superartisan and visionary in the world of craftsmanship.

WeCraft Group is an end-to-end global design consultancy integrating
creative vision with fabrication and construction delivery.
Founded in 2012 by Amelia Wang and Antonio Eraso, WeCraft transforms
ideas into built realities through bespoke solutions, technical excellence, and
close collaboration with master craftsmen and builders.
At its core lies the synthesis of architecture, interiors, and the highest quality
of construction and craftsmanship — creating environments of enduring
beauty, integrity, and purpose.