Traditional crafts

What is Kawatsura Lacquerware? A Traditional Japanese Craft Widely Popular for Its Ease of Use [Akita Prefecture]

When it comes to traditional crafts of Akita Prefecture, Kawauchi lacquerware along with birch crafts , Odate bento boxes , and Akita cedar tubs and barrels , but surprisingly, many people are unaware of their characteristics and merits.

In this article, Kawauchi lacquerware and what to look out for when purchasing it.

What is Kawatsura lacquerware?

Kawatsura lacquerware

Kawatsura lacquerware is lacquerware for everyday use that has been passed down since the Kamakura period, about 800 years ago, and is made in Kawatsura town, Yuzawa city, Akita prefecture. It has also been selected as a traditional Japanese craft

To be designated as a traditional craft, an item must meet the following five conditions and be designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in accordance with the Law Concerning the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries

  • Items primarily used for daily life
  • The majority of the manufacturing process is handcrafted
  • Products manufactured using traditional techniques or methods
  • Products that are manufactured using traditionally used raw materials as the main raw materials
  • Those manufactured by a considerable number of people in a certain area or engaged in such manufacturing

Kawatsura lacquerware was designated in 1976, and today it continues to produce new products in a wide range of fields, preserving its high level of skill and tradition

Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry "Traditional Crafts"

Characteristics of Kawatsura lacquerware

Kawatsura lacquerware

What are the characteristics of Kawatsura lacquerware?

I would like to introduce three.

Smoke-dried

When making Kawatsura lacquerware, domestic wood is used as the material, and the coarsely cut wood base is exposed to smoke and dried over a long period of time

The wood is exposed to smoke and dried slowly at low temperatures, reducing warping and distortion that can cause the wood to crack

In addition, the smoke components combine with the proteins contained in the wood to strengthen the wood and provide insect and rot repellent properties

It is often said that Kawauchi lacquerware is characterized by its durability while being affordable, but the foundation for this begins with making the wood base

Flower painting

The painting process involves applying a base coat, a middle coat, and a top coat, but the technique used for the final finish is called Hana-nuri, in which the lacquer is left to dry without being sanded or polished after application

This allows the natural lines and luster to shine through, resulting in rich curves and the plump texture of the lacquer

Practicality

The secret to Kawauchi lacquerware's ease of use is that it is easy to care for and has insulating, heat-retaining, and antibacterial properties

Kawauchi lacquerware is so practical that it is said that the key to long-lasting use is to use it every day

Where to buy Kawatsura lacquerware?

Kawatsura Lacquerware Traditional Crafts Museum

A recommended store for purchasing Kawatsura lacquerware is the exhibition and sales corner on the first floor of the Yuzawa Kawatsura Lacquerware Traditional Crafts Museum in Kawatsura-cho, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture

With a sales floor area of ​​498.35m2 and a constant selection of over 800 items, you're sure to find Kawauchi lacquerware that suits your needs and tastes

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

Both stores carry not only genuine products but also outlet products, so you may be able to purchase items that you would otherwise have been unable to afford at a bargain price

Kato Minoru Lacquerware Shop also offers a lacquerware repair service, so if you accidentally damage your precious lacquerware, be sure to consult them

Kawatsura Lacquerware Traditional Crafts Museum <Information>

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summary

Kawatsura lacquerware is made in Kawatsura-cho, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, and has been selected as a traditional Japanese craft.We learned that it has three distinctive features: it is made from durable wood that has been smoke-dried; it is finished using the flower-lacquering technique, which allows the lacquer to dry without being sanded or polished after application; and it is highly practical

If you are interested in Kawauchi lacquerware and have come to know its quality, we encourage you to try incorporating it into your daily life as a practical item

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