Aizu Lacquerware: 400-Year-Old Lacquer Craft Heritage of a Premier Production Area
Aizu Lacquerware
The Aizu region centered on Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, is known as one of Japan's premier lacquerware production areas. Said to have begun about 400 years ago when Gamou Ujisato, acting on orders from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, promoted lacquerware production to encourage Aizu industries.
Aizu Lacquerware Characteristics
- Wooden Base: Mainly zelkova, Kiso cypress, and other woods - Coating: Careful work applying multiple layers of genuine lacquer - Maki-e: Decorative technique of drawing patterns in lacquer then sprinkling gold powder - Urushi-e (Lacquer Painting): Painting with lacquer mixed with pigments
Main Products
- Lacquerware tableware (bowls, jubako boxes, trays) - Interior decorations and ornaments - Accessories
Purchasing and Experiences
- Nanoka-machi Street (Aizuwakamatsu): Historic shopping street with lacquerware specialty shops - Suzuzen Lacquerware and Nuritoritei: Long-established lacquerware shops - Lacquer Painting Experience: Urushi-e making experiences at workshops in Aizuwakamatsu
Getting There
- From JR Banetsu West Line Aizuwakamatsu Station to Nanoka-machi Street: 15-minute walk
Tips
Unlike plastic products, genuine lacquerware develops more character the longer it is used. An Aizu lacquerware bowl makes a lifelong souvenir.
π Location & Access
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