Matsue Lacquerware

A woodworking craft developed in Kamakura, Kanagawa. Distinctive carving techniques create patterns in wooden objects, finished with lacquer coating. Originally produced as Buddhist altar items from the Muromachi period, it now encompasses tableware and decorative pieces. Characterized by its simple, refined beauty.

Lacquerware craft from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, continuing since the Edo period. Elegant works using red and black lacquers are characteristic, particularly prized for their distinctive aesthetic combining vermillion and black. High-quality lacquered tableware, ornaments, and furnishings are produced. Developed under patronage of Matsue domain, traditional techniques remain preserved today.

A lacquerware craft tradition passed down for over 600 years in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is renowned for its durability achieved through the unique jinoko undercoat technique and its gorgeous ornamentation using chinkin and maki-e. It is considered one of the finest traditional crafts in Japan.

Japan's finest lacquerware, produced in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. Its durability and beauty come from mixing diatomaceous earth called jinoko into the undercoat and completing 124 production steps. Decorations of chinkin and maki-e reach the level of fine art, earning the highest acclaim domestically and internationally as the pinnacle of Japanese lacquer craft.

Japan's premier lacquerware, produced in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. Its unique technique of using locally sourced jinoko diatomaceous earth creates exceptionally durable and beautiful finishes. Advanced decorative techniques including chinkin gold inlay and maki-e are highly developed, with each piece requiring 124 production steps. Though damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, restoration efforts are underway.

A lacquerware production area with over 400 years of history in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. Diverse techniques including maki-e, chinkin, and hana-nuri have been passed down, producing everything from daily items to luxury goods. The long winters of this snow country provide ideal drying conditions for lacquer, making it renowned for high quality at accessible prices.

Lacquerware produced mainly in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, distinguished by unique patterns created through dozens of coating and polishing repetitions. Four techniques exist: Kara-nuri, Nanako-nuri, Nishiki-nuri, and Monsha-nuri, combining deep color with exceptional durability. It is a beauty of the north, cultivated by Tsugaru's harsh climate.