What is lacquerware?

Lacquerware primarily refers to crafts made by applying lacquer to a wooden base.

History of Lacquerware and Japanese Culture

Lacquerware is seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. You might understand this better if you think of the soup bowls, trays, and chopsticks used at Buddhist memorial services or in kaiseki cuisine. Lacquerware is not limited to tableware; it is used in a wide range of fields, including tools and interior decorations.

Many people associate lacquerware with red or black, but in recent years, you can also find items with rich colors and finishes, such as white, gold, and gradients.

Compared to porcelain, lacquerware is less conductive to heat, so even when hot liquids are served, the hands holding the bowl do not get hot easily. This is a unique characteristic of lacquerware that makes it easy to handle when serving.

The history of lacquerware is very old, and it is known that tools using lacquer already existed in Japan during the Jomon period. Lacquer is also excellent as an adhesive and waterproofing agent, and it developed as "practical wisdom" for protecting wood and tools.

Since lacquer hardens with humidity, it is well-suited to Japan's climate. In drier regions, humidity control equipment is necessary.

Just as ceramics are called "CHINA" in English, lacquerware is sometimes referred to as "JAPAN," making it one of the symbols of Japanese culture.

Japanese Lacquerware Producing Regions

Among Japanese lacquerware producing regions, Wajima-nuri (Ishikawa Prefecture) is widely known as a high-quality lacquerware. Meanwhile, in terms of production volume, Echizen lacquerware (Fukui Prefecture) and Yamanaka lacquerware (Ishikawa Prefecture) account for a large proportion.

Currently, most of the lacquerware generally available on the market includes items produced in these domestic regions, and in recent years, those produced overseas (such as China) have also increased.

Differences between Natural Urushi Lacquer and Synthetic Coatings

When people hear "lacquerware," they often assume that all of it uses natural lacquer. However, there are broadly two types of lacquerware currently on the market: those made with natural urushi lacquer and those made with synthetic coatings (such as urethane or lacquer).

Natural urushi lacquer is a natural material harvested from the lacquer tree. Its characteristic is that it "hardens with humidity" rather than by drying. Once completely hardened, it is highly safe, extremely durable, and gains more character with use.

On the other hand, synthetic coatings are easier to maintain stable industrial quality and excel in color and finish uniformity, as well as mass production. Therefore, much of the lacquerware commonly used today is made with synthetic coatings.

It's not a matter of one being good or bad; the reality is that they are chosen based on their purpose, price, and ease of handling.

"Resin Base" Chosen for Practicality

Lacquer can be applied to various materials, not just wood, but also paper, metal, and synthetic resin. Therefore, vessels made from these materials are also widely referred to as "lacquerware."

The reason why resin is often used as the base for modern lacquerware is very simple:

• Resistant to breaking

• Lightweight

• Less prone to warping or distortion

• Enables stable quality and mass production

Due to these characteristics, resin bases have become mainstream for daily use and commercial applications.

As a result, lacquerware made with 100% wood bases now costs more due to the extra effort and expense, and is often treated as "special lacquerware."

About the Lacquerware Handled by Studio1156

At our shop, which serves many restaurant customers, we primarily handle dishwasher-safe lacquerware. Among these, we actively select lacquerware made from a material called "mokushitsu" or "mokkan," which is formed by mixing wood powder and resin.

The great appeal of this material is that it offers the ease of handling and durability characteristic of resin, while still retaining a certain warmth of wood and a feel close to natural materials when held.

We prioritize ease of use, durability, and cost-effectiveness, and we offer lacquerware that can be safely used for everything from daily life to commercial purposes.

How to Care for Lacquerware

Caring for lacquerware does not require special tools or techniques.

Simply "use, wash, and wipe" it regularly. This simple routine is the best way to keep lacquerware in good condition.

Rather than storing it away because it's "precious" and using it only occasionally, regular use helps stabilize the lacquer surface and maintain its condition.

Finally

Lacquerware is by no means an intimidating item. By understanding the differences in materials and craftsmanship and choosing what suits your lifestyle, it becomes a much more familiar vessel.

Our Echizen lacquerware can be found here.