Tsugaru Lacquerware
津軽塗り
Embedded Files
Patterns of Karanuri
(Tsugaru-nuri Tanaka, n.d)
Patterns of Nanakonuri
(Tsugaru-nuri Tanaka, 2013)
Historical Backgrounds
Historical Backgrounds
Tsugaru-nuri originated in the Tsugaru region in Aomori prefecture in the middle Edo period. It is based on the lacquerware techniques conveyed from Kyoto and other areas, and used for decorating and reinforcing armor and sword sheaths in the first place. This craft was actively developed by the Tsugaru han, which was dominant in western Aomori at that time (KOGEI JAPAN, 2025). The fourth Hanshu, Nobumasa Tsugaru, especially encouraged craftsmen to refine their technique, resulting in the evolution of both practical and authentic aspects.
During the 18th to 19th centuries, four main techniques were established: Karanuri, Nanakonuri, Monsyanuri, and Nishikinuri (Aomori Lacquerware Cooperative Federation, 2025). They are a unique method called Togidashi-kawari-nuri, in which the craftsman layers a lot of colored lacquer and polish to bring hidden patterns to the surface.
In the Meiji era, Tsugaru-nuri gained global attention as an authentic traditional craftwork. Aomori prefecture exhibited Tsugaru-nuri for the World Exposition held in Vienna in 1873, leading to it becoming more popular and known as the representative craftwork of Aomori (KOGEI JAPAN, 2025).
After World War II, the demand for Tsugaru-nuri decreased due to industrialization, but efforts by craftsmen and traditional organizations led to the revival. It also officially became a traditional craft in Japan, and the government began conservation in earnest.
Visuals are Tsugarunuri's most impressive feature. Special technique Togidashi-kawari-nuri enables patterns to have depth of colors and layered patterns. The patterns and colors are unpredictable because they are revealed only after polishing. Different patterns and colors make different light reflections. It is attractive that each Tsugaru-nuri is one of a kind. People feel Tsugaru-nuri not only visually but also with a unique texture. Nanakonuri, in particular, has many tiny dot patterns that give users textile joy.
Also, more than 40 hand processes and several months at least are needed to make one craft (Aomori Lacquerware Cooperative Federation, 2025). Therefore, it can not be produced in quantities and has a precious value for each craft.
Detailed and specialized techniques ensure the strength of Tsugaru-nuri. If people properly use chopsticks made with Tsugaru-nuri, they will be durable for more than 10 years (Matsuzawa, 2023). Additionally, lacquerware has strong antibacterial properties, which have been proven scientifically. One study showed that the number of bacteria decreased when it was on lacquerware. Lacquerware is made from completely natural materials, including no additives, so it’s suitable for dishes that our mouths touch directly (Matsuzawa, 2023). Ultimately, Tsugaru-nuri is valued as a traditional craft not only for its authentic aspects but also for its practical and sanitary aspects.
Characteristics
Characteristics
Tsugaru-nuri chopsticks
(Aomori Lacquerware Cooperative Federation, 2025)
To Know More
To Know More
How artisans make Tsugaru-nuri and the connection to Wabi-sabi
The process of making Tsugaru-nuri Accessories
Craftsman's Voice
Craftsman's Voice
Tsugumichi Matsuyama's interview
(Nippon Teshigoto Zukan Corporation, 2017)
Below is the voice of Tsugumichi Matsuyama, a craftsman at the Matsuyama lacquerware studio. See more details from the YouTube video in the right section.
“I had not thought I would become a craftsman of Tsugarunuri like my father, since it seemed a quiet and plain job. However, when I got my driver's licence in high school, my father said that he would give me a car, but I would work at my father’s craft studio. This started my life as a craftsman. Now I think this job is the most suitable.
Tsugaru-nuri is very complicated. I have to paint lacquerware again and again in layers, and adjust the technique along with seasons, humidity, and softness of the seeds. There is no straight way, but I obtain a sense through repetition.
Currently, children are told to do things efficiently, and mass production has invaded traditional craftworks. But I would like to continue making 'beautiful things people can use as daily tools”
Direct Voice
Direct Voice
I have once been to the craftshop of Tsugaru-nuri. It sold not only traditional bowls and chopsticks, but also smartphone cases and accessories. It was impressive that the traditional craft shop sold new Tsugaru-nuri products that matched people’s modern lifestyles.
Until then, honestly, I had a strict and traditional image of lacquerware, and thought it was expensive and not so useful. However, I found that Tsugaru-nuri is a traditional craftwork that has lived with people and continued to evolve.
Through researching Tsugaru-nuri for this digital archive project, I was surprised that it is not only beautiful but also has a practical, durable, and hygienic effect with natural materials. Also, different patterns on each lacquerware bring it a traditional sense, compared to the modern world, which seeks efficiency and equality.
Moreover, the interview with Matsuyama-san told me about his authentic attitude towards Tsugaru-nuri, which is that he is willing to spend time producing the best Tsugaru-nuri. It let me rethink what producing things is.
Based on the learning of Tsugaru-nuri and my honest feelings about it, I hope Tsugaru-nuri becomes more popular and many people will know its true authenticity and craftsmen’s thought.
References
References
Aomori Lacquerware Cooperative Federation. (2025). TSUGARU NURI (Aomori Lacquerware Federation). TSUGARU NURI (Aomori Lacquerware Federation). https://www.tsugarunuri.org/en/index.html
KOGEI JAPAN. (2025). Tsugaru lacquerware. KOGEI JAPAN. https://kogeijapan.com/locale/en_US/tsugarunuri/
Matsuzawa, N. (2023, March 1). 青森県の伝統工芸品、津軽塗の特徴は？お箸やお椀、アクセサリーなどどんな種類がある？. 日本工芸堂. https://japanesecrafts.com/blogs/news/tsugarunuri?_pos=2&_sid=7502699bd&_ss=r
Nippon Teshigoto Zukan Corporation. (2017, November 21). 津軽塗職人｜松山漆工房. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxWFF_n0ikQ
Tsugaru-nuri Tanaka. (2013, March 27). 伝統技法“唐塗.” 津軽塗 たなか銘産. https://tanaka-meisan.jp/about_tsugaru-nuri/kara-nuri/
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