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Wajima Lacquerware:
Enduring Beauty and Timeless Richness

Wajima lacquerware, one of Japan's most esteemed lacquerware, finds its home in Wajima City, nestled in the northwest corner of the Noto Peninsula. This illustrious craft, flourishing since the Edo period (1603 CE - 1867 CE), is distinguished by its rich foundation and decorative embellishments that promise both aesthetic and functional excellence.

With an astounding number of steps in its production process, its sumptuous lacquer coat and exquisite decorations draw one into the mesmerizing world of Wajima artistry. Honored as an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1975, Wajima lacquerware gracefully continues its evolution while maintaining the rich tapestry of its ancient traditions.

The History of Wajima Lacquerware

The history of Wajima lacquerware stretches deep into the past, with its earliest known artifact being a Japanese-style lacquerware door from 1524. This piece, preserved at Juzo Shrine in the heart of Wajima City, stands as the oldest example of Wajima lacquerware. Yet, its origin remains shrouded in mystery, surrounded by various theories.

The masterful style of Wajima lacquerware, as revered today, has its origins in the early Edo period. Jinoko, a unique diatomaceous earth from Wajima's mountainous regions, was adeptly integrated into the base coat, giving the lacquerware its distinctive thickness and durability. This pivotal discovery coincided with the Kaga Domain's era of artistic patronage, enhancing Wajima lacquerware's prominence. The domain's commitment to cultural development nurtured various crafts, turning Wajima lacquerware into a symbol of sophistication and prestige.

As the Edo period advanced, the artistry of Wajima lacquerware was further refined with the introduction of the chinkin technique and maki-e technique. Both decorative methods bestowed upon Wajima lacquerware an additional layer of beauty, enhancing its luxurious and esteemed characteristics.

The production of Wajima lacquerware is structured around a specialized division-of-labor system. Over 100 intricate steps, each executed by expert artisans, contribute to its high quality. This meticulous crafting process, often extending beyond six months for each piece from its wooden base, ensures unparalleled attention to detail and depth of craftsmanship. The production process can be primarily categorized into the following with each inclusive of multiple precise steps.

Wood Base Preparation

Kiji-shi artisans masterfully sculpt the base using locally sourced, fine woods.
The process begins with segmenting a log into sections, which are then initially carved, slightly larger than the final product's dimensions. This roughly carved base is dried for about a year to prevent warping and cracking in the completed lacquerware. After this drying period, it is mounted on a lathe and intricately shaped inside and out, crafting the final piece.

Base Coating

The detailed process of applying the base coat amplifies Wajima lacquerware's enduring quality.
The inaugural step in the creation of Wajima lacquerware is the delicate nuno-gise, or "cloth attachment" process. Fragile sections of the wooden base are reinforced with fine fabric, adhered using a blend of raw lacquer and rice paste. Following this foundational step, skilled artisans apply multiple coatings of jinoko-infused lacquer, utilizing specialized spatulas. Upon the drying of the third and final coat, the surface is then refined with a series of whetstones, to achieve a flawless finish.

Lacquer Coat Finish

A subsequent high-purity lacquer layer is evenly applied as a mid-coat before the finishing layer. Considering the sensitivity of lacquer to environmental conditions, artisans adeptly adjust its texture in alignment with the surrounding weather. After the final application, all items are once again kept in a furo ensuring perfect drying and an impeccable finish.

Decorative Adornments

Exquisitely, some Wajima lacquerware pieces are completed with detailed adornments.
The chinkin technique involves carving fine designs onto a lacquerware surface, then filling these etchings with gold or silver powder, adding depth and highlights. Maki-e, another method, entails artisans painting with colored lacquer and then embellishing with metallic powders. The taka-maki-e variant introduces granular details for additional depth. These refined techniques, paired with the depth of the lacquer, bestow Wajima lacquerware with its celebrated and lasting beauty.

Popular Maker

Taya Shikki

Taya Shikkiten, a revered name in the world of Wajima lacquerware, boasts a 200-year history of exquisite artisanship and timeless quality. Situated in Wajima City, near the Sea of Japan in Ishikawa Prefecture, this esteemed establishment has been nurtured through generations, evolving into a hallmark of traditional Wajima lacquerware artistry. Taya Shikkiten skillfully employs natural wood, natural lacquer, and jinoko, a locally sourced baked diatomaceous earth, to meticulously handcraft creations of extraordinary beauty and reliable functionality. Whether breathing new life into cultural heirlooms or shaping exquisite tableware, the company stands as a steadfast guardian of refined elegance and exceptional quality, showcasing the pinnacle of Wajima lacquerware's craftsmanship.

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