[Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture] What is Kawatsura lacquerware? A detailed introduction to the country's traditional crafts that are widely loved for their ease of use.

When it comes to Akita prefecture's traditional crafts, Kawatsura lacquerware comes up alongside birch work, Odate magewappa, and Akita cedar okes and barrels, but surprisingly many people don't know about its characteristics and goodness.

In this article, we will explain in detail the characteristics of Kawatsura lacquerware and the points to consider when purchasing it.

What is Kawatsura lacquerware?

Kawatsura lacquerware is lacquerware for everyday use made in Kawatsura-cho, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, which has been passed down from the Kamakura period about 800 years ago, and has been selected as a traditional Japanese craft.

In order to be designated as a traditional craft product, it is necessary to meet the following five conditions and receive the designation from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry based on the Act on the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industry.

• Items mainly used for daily life
• The main part of the manufacturing process is handicraft.
• Items manufactured using traditional techniques or techniques
• Products manufactured using traditionally used raw materials as the main raw materials
• Products that are manufactured or engaged in manufacturing by a considerable number of people in a certain area

Kawatsura lacquerware was designated as such in 1976, and even today, it continues to create new products in a wide range of fields while maintaining its high technology and tradition.

Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry “Traditional Crafts”

Characteristics of Kawatsura lacquerware

What kind of characteristics does Kawatsura lacquerware have?

I would like to introduce three.

smoke drying

When making Kawatsura lacquerware, we use smoke-dried wood that is roughly sawn from domestic wood and exposed to smoke to dry it over time.

By slowly drying the bare wood at low temperatures while exposed to smoke, it reduces the distortion and distortion that can cause wood to crack.

In addition, the combination of smoke components and proteins contained in the wood will strengthen the wood and provide insect repellent and antiseptic effects.

It is often said that the characteristics of Kawatsura lacquerware are that it is both affordable and durable, but its foundation begins with the making of the bare wood.

Flower painting

The lacquering process progresses through base coating, intermediate coating, and top coating, but the technique used for the final finish is called Hana-nuri, in which the lacquer is applied and left to dry without sanding or polishing.

This allows you to take advantage of the natural lines and luster, creating rich curves and the plump texture of lacquer.

practicality

The secret to the ease of use of Kawatsura lacquerware is that it is easy to clean and has insulation, heat retention, and antibacterial properties.

Kawatsura lacquerware is so practical that it is said that the key to long-term use is to use it every day.

Should I buy Kawatsura lacquerware?

A recommended store to purchase Kawatsura lacquerware is the exhibition and sales corner on the 1st floor of the Yuzawa City Kawatsura Lacquerware Traditional Crafts Museum in Kawatsura-cho, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture.

With a sales floor area of ​​498.35m2 and over 800 items in stock at any given time, you will be able to find the Kawatsura lacquerware that suits your needs and tastes.

If you want to purchase Kawatsura lacquerware online, we recommend Kato Minoru Lacquerware Store and Abe Kenkichi Shoten.

Both stores carry not only official products, but also outlet products, so you may be able to purchase products that you could not afford due to high prices at a great price.

Kato Minoru Lacquerware Store also provides lacquerware repair services, so if you accidentally damage your precious lacquerware, please contact us.

Reference: Kato Minoru Lacquerware Store “Outlet”

Reference: Abe Kenkichi Shoten “Kawatsura Lacquerware Outlet”

summary

Kawatsura lacquerware is lacquerware made in Kawatsura-cho, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, and has been selected as a traditional Japanese craft. I found out that it has three characteristics: it uses a finishing technique called Hana-nuri, which is left to dry without sanding or polishing, and it is highly practical.

If you are interested in knowing the benefits of Kawatsura lacquerware, please try incorporating it into your daily life as a practical item.