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Echizen Lacquerware
"Over 1500 years of tradition as the lacquer village"

Echizen lacquerware originated around the city of Sabae in Fukui Prefecture, in the northern part of Japan. Known for its subdued luster and elegant beauty with a history going back more than 1,500 years. It is produced by experienced artisans, each specializing in one step of the production process.

Along with the changing lifestyles of Japanese people and market needs, Echizen lacquerware has developed diversified products and created technology for mass production. Today, Echizen ware represents more than 80% of the lacquerware for domestic food industry and business use. This is a region that is not only home to centuries of tradition, but also reinventing itself through innovation.

History of Echizen Lacquerware

Echizen lacquerware originated more than 1,500 years ago in the Fukui village of Katayama, which is where the city of Sabae stands today. It’s said that the history of the craft started when the 26th Emperor of Japan, was still the Imperial Prince ordered a lacquerer to fix his crown. Impressed with the crown’s restoration and the black lacquer bowl that the artist sent along as a gift, the prince became a patron of the village of Katayama as a lacquerware-producing area.

Originally, Echizen, surrounded by mountains, was not suitable for agriculture, and there were many lacquer scrapers (craftsmen who collect sap from lacquer trees). Good quality wood was available, and the temperature and humidity were also suitable for making lacquerware. At its peak, half of all lacquer scrapers in Japan were in Echizen. At its peak, half of the nation's lacquer scrapers were in Echizen.

Records from the time of Nikko Toshogu's construction (circa 1617) include the names of people who worked as lacquer scrapers in Echizen. Because the Tokugawa Shogunate highly valued lacquer and because Buddhist memorial services were popular, Echizen became one of the leading lacquerware production centers in Japan. Gradually, the techniques of maki-e and chinkin were inherited, and robust and ornate decorations were applied.

In the Taisho era (1912-1926), with the addition of new machinery and technology, a mass production system for commercial lacquerware was established, and demand for Echizen lacquerware from the food service industry grew. Today, Echizen lacquerware has grown to account for more than 80% of the domestic share of the restaurant industry and commercial lacquerware market.

Charm of Echizen Lacquerware

Echizen lacquerware was designated as a traditional Japanese craft more than 40 years ago in 1975. In Fukui Prefecture, the birthplace of Echizen lacquerware, the spirit of craftsmanship is still alive in traditional crafts such as Echizen hammered blades, Echizen chests, Echizen pottery, Echizen Japanese paper, and Wakasa lacquered chopsticks, as well as in the eyeglasses and textile industries. 

Echizen lacquerware is one of these crafts that can be called the "art of the master". It requires a high level of skill and includes woodworking, lacquering, and decorative craftsmen who apply patterns and gold and silver. The strength of the lacquer, which is carefully applied over and over again, is high and extremely long-lasting. In addition, the patterns and designs drawn by the ancient decorative techniques of maki-e and chinkin (a technique in which a pattern is carved into the lacquer surface with a knife and gold leaf or gold powder is pressed into these marks) are also highly accomplished as works of art.

On the other hand, Echizen lacquerware accounts for more than 80% of the domestic market share of lacquerware for commercial use, making it the largest producer of lacquerware in Japan when commercial use is included. Echizen lacquerware can be mass-produced using not only traditional wooden lacquerware but also synthetic resins and chemical paints. The great strength of Echizen lacquerware is that it is strong enough to withstand commercial use, has a design that adds color to the dining table, and is more affordable than lacquerware from other regions.

There are many types of Echizen lacquerware. Some are luxurious and gorgeous, while others are down-to-earth and simple. Evolving with the times, this attractive lacquerware covers a wide range of needs from individual connoisseurs to restaurants.

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Japanese Ash Echizen Lacquerware Rectangle Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftJapanese Ash Echizen Lacquerware Rectangle Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Musubi Mono Opulent Floral Dinnerware Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftMusubi Mono Opulent Floral Dinnerware Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Musubi Mono Blue Breeze Dinnerware Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftMusubi Mono Blue Breeze Dinnerware Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Musubi Mono Tranquil Sakura Dinnerware Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftMusubi Mono Tranquil Sakura Dinnerware Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Japanese Ash Echizen Lacquerware Round Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftJapanese Ash Echizen Lacquerware Round Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Black Glitter Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftBlack Glitter Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Musubi Mono Graceful Garden Dinnerware Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftMusubi Mono Graceful Garden Dinnerware Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Ritsuzan Tomita Pine Echizen Lacquerware Side Plate Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftRitsuzan Tomita Pine Echizen Lacquerware Side Plate Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Red Running Water Echizen Lacquerware Two Tiers Jubako Bento Box with Handle - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftRed Running Water Echizen Lacquerware Two Tiers Jubako Bento Box with Handle - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Plum Blossom Echizen Lacquerware Teacup Coaster Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftPlum Blossom Echizen Lacquerware Teacup Coaster Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Sakura Maki - e Echizen Lacquerware Stacked Sake Cup Set With Dice - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftSakura Maki - e Echizen Lacquerware Stacked Sake Cup Set With Dice - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Japanese Ash Red Echizen Lacquerware Corner - Cut Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftJapanese Ash Red Echizen Lacquerware Corner - Cut Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Ginkgo Leaf Echizen Lacquerware Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftGinkgo Leaf Echizen Lacquerware Plate - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Red and Wood Grain Echizen Lacquerware Spoon - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftRed and Wood Grain Echizen Lacquerware Spoon - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
YAMAKYU Golden Gourd Echizen Lacquerware Three Tiers Jubako Bento Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftYAMAKYU Golden Gourd Echizen Lacquerware Three Tiers Jubako Bento Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
YAMAKYU Golden Gourd Echizen Lacquerware Soup Bowl with Lid - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftYAMAKYU Golden Gourd Echizen Lacquerware Soup Bowl with Lid - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Golden Gourd Soup Bowl with Lid Sale price$570.00 USD
Japanese Ash Black Echizen Lacquerware Corner - Cut Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftJapanese Ash Black Echizen Lacquerware Corner - Cut Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Pine Echizen Lacquerware Black Side Plate Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftPine Echizen Lacquerware Black Side Plate Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Ritsuzan Tomita Flower Echizen Lacquerware Teacup Coaster Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftRitsuzan Tomita Flower Echizen Lacquerware Teacup Coaster Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Ritsuzan Tomita Pine Echizen Lacquerware Red Side Plate Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftRitsuzan Tomita Pine Echizen Lacquerware Red Side Plate Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Black and Gold Washi Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftBlack and Gold Washi Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Washi Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray with Cups - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftWashi Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray with Cups - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Hemp Leaf Pattern Washi Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftHemp Leaf Pattern Washi Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Black Running Water Echizen Lacquerware Two Tiers Jubako Bento Box with Handle - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftBlack Running Water Echizen Lacquerware Two Tiers Jubako Bento Box with Handle - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Pine Bamboo and Plum Echizen Lacquerware Three Tiers Jubako Bento Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftPine Bamboo and Plum Echizen Lacquerware Three Tiers Jubako Bento Box - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Sold outTwo Tone Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray with Glass Cups - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftTwo Tone Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray with Glass Cups - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Sold outTin Ginsai Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftTin Ginsai Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift
Sold outPlum Blossom Echizen Lacquerware Red Teacup Coaster Set - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftPlum Blossom Echizen Lacquerware Red Teacup Coaster Set
Sold outChecked Pattern Washi Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and GiftChecked Pattern Washi Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray - MUSUBI KILN - Quality Japanese Tableware and Gift