Niigata Lacquer Ware

Techniques were originally introduced from other centers where lacquer ware was being made at the beginning of 17th century but in 1638, a specialist area for the selling of japanned goods was established under the name of a "bowl store" in what is now Furumachi, and received official protection. By 1819, the craft was well enough established for a list of "master lacquerers" to be recorded.

Being one of the ports used by trading ships plying the Japan Sea coast, Niigata has always been a focus for goods and culture and as such, this greatly contributed to the development of the craft as a variety of different techniques were introduced from various other regions.

In fact, Niigata lacquer ware is characterized by a number of different styles, including one which simulates the appearance of bamboo. This is done by first creating the kind of distinctive nodes of this tree grass at an early stage of the production and then by using colored lacquer to create the patterning of bamboo in a technique, which cannot be seen in any other center where lacquer ware is being produced.

With only 21 firms employing just 22 staff, the craft is by no means a large scale industry. Nevertheless, given the particular nature of this ware and the variety of interesting items being produced, it can proudly take its place along side the other fine lacquer wares still being produced in Japan today.