Kawatsura Lacquerware

Historical background

Kawatsura lacquerware arose in the village of Kawatsura in Akita Prefecture in Japan. The origin of the lacquerware is said to link back to the 12th century, when Onodera Michinori (a vassal of Minamoto Yoritomo) ordered his retainers to apply urushi (lacquer tree resin) to their armor. The techniques have been transmitted over the generations, from artisan to artisan, for more than eight centuries. Kawatsura lacquerware continues to be a traditional craft that Japan admires with pride. Kawatsura is one of the few places in Japan where lacquerware is still produced in the original way. 

Further historical background (Chinese & Korean description below)

Thanks to the rich natural environment of Mt. Kurikoma, lacquerware techniques were established and passed down to woodturners and lacquer artisans there over the centuries. The solidity and simplicity of its unique manufacturing technique made Kawatsura lacquerware famous all over Japan. They brought the products to the next level, where they were appreciated for their beauty and practicality. 

Kawatsura lacquerware is a specialty of Kawatsura town in Yuzawa City. It is believed to have started in 1193 when Lord of Inaniwa’s brother Onodera Michinori built a castle in Odate (today’s Yuzawa) and ordered his vassals to paint lacquer on the arms and armor. Another theory states that it began in 1189 when woodturners and lacquer artisans escaped, migrated to Kawatsura, and taught lacquerware-making after Minamoto No Yoritomo defeated Fujiwara in Hiraizumi.

The industry was fully established during the early Edo period. Samurai manufactured lacquerware as their side jobs in the Keicho era (1596–1615). Inspired by their work, the people in the snowy region started making lacquerware during the agricultural offseason and formed the Kawatsura lacquerware center. In the late Edo period, many artisans were actively protected by feudal clans. Later, they exchanged techniques with other lacquerware production regions, such as Aizu and Wajima, to learn about gold-inlay and gold lacquer.

Kawatsura lacquerware, which has been produced in the Tohoku region since the Edo period, is known for its solidity, distinctive practical wares, and its simplicity, suited for the snow country’s crafts. Products with traditional designs have drawn attention in recent years, and lacquerware became Japan’s Nationally Designated Traditional Craft Product in 1976.

Characteristics

Using wood that has been smoked and dried for long periods at low temperatures makes it resistant to warping. The wood is polished several times, before it is finished with a technique called "hananuri" which involves applying lacquer and letting it dry without polishing. The thick final coat technique leaves the product without brushstrokes and leaves it with a natural shine of lacquer.