The history of Aizu lacquerware dates back to the Muromachi period (1336–1573 CE), when a powerful local clan promoted the cultivation of lacquer trees in the region. In 1590, Gamo Ujisato became the lord of Aizu and invited skilled artisans—including lacquerers, woodworkers, and maki-e artists—from his native Omi Province (now Shiga Prefecture), encouraging the development of lacquerware as a local industry.

In the 18th century, decorative techniques such as maki-e were introduced from Kyoto, and Aizu lacquerware grew in popularity, eventually being exported to countries such as China and the Netherlands. Although the industry suffered major damage during the Boshin War in 1868, it recovered in the late 19th century and reestablished itself as one of Japan’s leading lacquerware production centers.

With a history spanning over 400 years, Aizu lacquerware continues to be handed down through generations and remains a symbol of enduring craftsmanship.

Hana-nuri uses a type of lacquer called yūyu-urushi, which is lacquer blended with drying oil. This mixture enhances the gloss and improves workability. However, applying the lacquer evenly with a brush is extremely difficult and requires advanced skills from experienced artisans. The coating process consists of three layers: the base coat, the middle coat, and the top coat.

Urushi-e is a technique where colored lacquer (iro-urushi) is applied directly with a brush to create decorative patterns. Colored lacquer is made by mixing pigments such as red, yellow, or blue. Due to the natural properties of lacquer, the available colors are somewhat limited, typically resulting in calm, subdued tones like black, red, yellow, green, and brown. The signature Aizu-e combines auspicious elements such as pine, bamboo, plum blossoms, and decorative arrows.

Chinkin involves carving patterns into a lacquered surface using a special blade called a chinkin-to. Gold leaf, silver leaf, or finely ground gold powder is then embedded into the carved grooves. After the excess metal is removed from the non-carved areas, the design remains inlaid in the surface. Since Aizu chinkin uses shallower carving than in other regions, it results in a softer, more delicate impression.

Maki-e is a decorative technique in which a design is painted with lacquer, then sprinkled with gold or colored powder, using the lacquer as an adhesive. Among the various types of maki-e, Aizu lacquerware is particularly known for keshifun maki-e. In this method, the design is drawn with a brush heavily loaded with lacquer, and then, while carefully monitoring the drying process, the finest gold powder (keshifun) is gently applied using cotton wadding. This results in a soft, matte finish with elegant subtlety.