Urushi Lacquerware
Kagawa Prefecture, located on Japan’s Shikoku Island, is renowned for its exquisite Urushi lacquerware. This traditional craft was developed over centuries and is celebrated for its deep, complex finishes and distinctive techniques. Kagawa artisans combine refined skill with artistic innovation, creating tableware, boxes, and decorative pieces that are not only functional but also beautiful. The powerful Matsudaira clan took a big interest in Urushi, which helped it become deeply rooted into Kagawa's rich history.
Brief History of Urushi Lacquerware
A single lacquer tree yields only around 180 - 200g of lacquer over it's lifespan of 10-15 years. Precisely measured cuts are made by hand and the lacquer is slowly collected over 4 months.
Because the incisions need to be meticulously planned and measured so as to not harm the tree, machinery is never used to extract lacquer.
Iwate prefecture is the largest producer of lacquer globally, and, since there are no synthetic alternatives, the lacquer tree farms are now recognized as UNESCO heritage sites.
Kagawa Lacquerware
There are three distinct techniques of lacquer here in Kagawa.
Kinma, Zonsei, and Chōshitsu.
