About Kiso Hirasawa lacquerware
Kiso Hirasawa lacquerware has been a popular souvenir from the Nakasendo road since the Edo period. It still retains the traditional techniques that have been passed down, and new painting methods and products have been developed to suit modern lifestyles, making it a popular souvenir today.
Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings: Nationally designated
Kiso Hirasawa has made a living from producing cypress crafts and lacquerware. Initially, lacquerware was collectively called "Kisomono", but in the late modern period it came to be distributed under the name "Hirasawa lacquerware". Furthermore, since the Meiji period, the area has grown through technological innovations such as the introduction of manufacturing techniques for hon-kataji lacquerware, and in 1975 "Kiso lacquerware" was designated as a traditional craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Currently, it is one of Japan's leading lacquerware production areas.
For more details, please see the Kiso Hirasawa Townscape Preservation Society.