Kiso lacquerware

The appeal of lacquerware

Kiso lacquerware is one of Japan's traditional crafts, and is imbued with centuries of history and artisanal techniques. Lacquerware has a long history and has developed uniquely in Japan. Kiso lacquerware is known for its beautiful designs and advanced craftsmanship. Carved lacquer/carvings and unique lacquer application methods (Kiso tsuishu, etc.) give Kiso lacquerware its own unique appeal.

Kiso lacquerware is not merely a decorative item, but is deeply rooted in Japan's food culture and lifestyle. Its durability and practicality have long made it a popular choice for everyday tableware. It is also highly regarded as a symbol of Japanese culture. Kiso lacquerware is a traditional Japanese craft that also blends in with modern life. Its beauty and practicality are appealing to many people.

About Kiso lacquerware

Kiso lacquerware is produced using a method originating from Shiojiri city and the Kiso region in Nagano prefecture. The base is mainly made of cypress, with katsura and horse chestnut also commonly used. Blessed with an abundance of wood and a climate suitable for lacquerwork, lacquerware known as Hirasawa lacquerware or Fukushima lacquerware (Kiso Shunkei) has been actively produced since ancient times, especially in Hirasawa and Fukushima. Hirasawa lacquerware began in the Keicho era (1596-1615), and it is said that there were over 10 manufacturers by the Shoo era (1652). Kiso Hirasawa, lacquerware town

In Kiso, which flourished as a post town on the Nakasendo road during the Edo period, lacquerware was a popular souvenir. In Narai-juku, the "Oroku comb," which originated in Yabuhara and was well-received by travelers, gained popularity by adding gorgeous lacquer ware.

Representative painting methods for Kiso lacquerware [Kiso Shunkei, Kiso Tsuishu, and Painted Roiro]

In 1975, three techniques - Kiso Shunkei, which is made by rubbing lacquer into the ware and is characterized by the beautiful grain of the wood, Kiso Tsuishu , which uses multiple layers of lacquer to create a mottled pattern, and Nuriwake Roiro-nuri, which uses colored lacquer for decoration - were designated as traditional crafts by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In 1991, materials related to the production of Kiso lacquerware, including the tools and products used, were designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties by the nation, and in 2006, Kiso Hirasawa in Shiojiri City was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Kiso Valley Japan Heritage: The original landscape of good old Japan

Kiso lacquerware - Monument to the Southern Kisoji Road - Nakasendo
The north entrance to the Kisoji route, a monument reading "From here to the southern Kisoji route" in Sakurazawa, Niekawa, Shiojiri City

Establishment of Kiso lacquerware

Local produce born from the local climate

The history of Kiso lacquerware dates back approximately 400 years. The region is blessed with abundant forest resources, excellent water quality, and a suitable climate, and is also endowed with durable base materials. In terms of technique, the region has evolved its designs to suit the times while respecting the essence of traditional handicrafts. These efforts have been recognized and the region has been designated as an important lacquerware base. The region has also been recognized as a first-stage traditional industry designated production area, and has won numerous top awards at national lacquerware exhibitions, further increasing its esteem. In the future, the entire region will continue to make efforts to utilize these characteristics and raise the reputation of Kiso lacquerware as a traditional art and craft.

Characteristics of Kiso lacquerware

1. Timber procurement

  • Kiso lacquerware is made from wood, including the five Kiso trees and other ancient fine woods. The cold climate of the Kiso region affects the trees, causing changes in the growth and quality of the wood. An environment where suitable wood is easily available is ideal for the production of Kiso lacquerware.
  • By the way, the five trees of Kiso are remembered as "Asahi Neko". A: Asunaro, Sa: Sawara, Hi: Hinoki, Ne: Nezuko, Ko: Koyamaki

2. Climate suitable for lacquerware production: Dry environment

  • The Kiso region is at a high altitude, cool in the summer, snowy in the winter, and has a moderate humidity level for lacquer. These climatic conditions affect the production of Kiso lacquerware. The Narai River, which is a branch of the Shinano River and runs through the town, is also related to this air humidity.
  • The Kiso Valley is an area with generally cold temperatures and high air humidity (suitable for lacquer) that is ideal for drying lacquer. This is because lacquer has the property of absorbing moisture from the air humidity and hardening during the process of drying and hardening (chemical reaction).
  • < The chemical reaction that causes lacquer to harden > Lacquer does not dry by the typical evaporation of water. Instead, the enzyme "laccase" contained in lacquer is activated at a specific temperature and humidity (air humidity) and reacts with the surrounding oxygen, changing the lacquer from a liquid to a solid.

    3. Discovery of Rust Soil

    • During the Meiji period, the discovery of rust soil in the Narai River basin, which when mixed with lacquer creates a very strong base, made it possible to produce Kiso lacquerware using local materials, with a durability comparable to Wajima lacquerware.
    • The locally produced "sabi-tsuchi" clay is a material so strong that when mixed with lacquer it is described as "unbreakable even against a blade." Taking advantage of this property, a wide variety of products are produced, from practical, durable everyday lacquerware to high-end lacquerware made using highly advanced techniques.

    4. Passing on traditions and techniques

    • The climate of the Kiso region has shaped the lifestyles and artisan traditions of the local community. The cold climate is a key factor in the production of some lacquerware, and the skills and knowledge in this region have been passed down from generation to generation.

    Kiso lacquerware is known for its beauty and durability, a product of the combination of the region's climatic conditions and traditional techniques. While the climate influences the product, it can also be said that unique techniques and processes have developed in response.

    Snow scene in Kiso Hirasawa lacquer town

    Kiso lacquerware and snow scenery of Kiso Hirasawa

     

    The climate of Kiso Hirasawa gave birth to Kiso lacquerware.

    Establishment of Kiso lacquerware

    Kiso lacquerware and Shiojiri wine , how to choose lacquerware , comparison of lacquerware , characteristics and maintenance of lacquerware

    It would be nice to have it! By collection [General lacquerware]

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    Large sale of stock

    A harmony of beauty and history. Feel the breath of Japanese tradition in lacquerware from the storehouse.

    Rare storehouse lacquerware will bring a touch of good old Japan to your space. We sell a wide range of products, from fascinating vessels and moisturizing lacquerware to easy-to-use and easy-to-handle synthetic resin products for commercial use. Products are taken out from the front of the storehouse, where you cannot go further inside, so you can look forward to what you find. Why not use them at home? It would be nice to have them❣ Enjoy looking for your favorite products.