Tsugaru lacquerware dates back to the beginning of the 17th century, when the fourth generation of Tsugaru clan leaders first employed craftsmen skilled in the production of lacquerware. At the end of the 19th century, a production center was established, from which the craft continues to evolve today, based on the traditional skills and original ideas that had been developed and refined over the previous three centuries.

Tsugaru lacquerware comes from Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost lacquerware production center in Japan. Similar products made by machine invariably lack the charm and warmth of this traditional lacquerware, which is produced using a number of distinctive techniques. For example, nanako-nuri has a stylish feel reminiscent of finely patterned kimono cloth, whereas monsha-nuri has an elegant modern feel with its matte black finish. Products made using these techniques include tables and other furniture, flower vases, tea ceremony items and tableware such as trays and chopsticks.