Japanese lacquerware is admired not only for its deep colors and beautiful shine, but also for its lightweight feel, smooth texture, and practicality for everyday use. From soup bowls and trays to tiered boxes, lacquerware has long been part of Japanese dining culture, with different regions and techniques creating a wide variety of styles.
What Is Japanese Lacquerware?
Japanese lacquerware is made by applying lacquer to a base, often made from wood. Japan has many traditional lacquerware-producing regions, including Wajima and Yamanaka in Ishikawa, Aizu in Fukushima, and Echizen in Fukui. Even when used for similar items, each type of lacquerware can have a different appearance depending on how the wooden base is made, how the lacquer is applied, and how the piece is decorated.
Japanese Lacquerware Is More Than Beautiful
One of the most distinctive features of lacquerware is the beautiful shine and texture created by lacquer. Elegant colors such as black, vermilion, and deep translucent brown can enhance the appearance of food while adding a refined touch to the dining table.
Wooden lacquerware is also lightweight, and when used for hot soup, the heat is less likely to transfer directly to your hands. Its gentle feel against the lips is another appealing feature. Japanese lacquerware developed not only as a form of traditional craft, but also as practical tableware for everyday meals.
A Great First Piece: Echizen Kō-Urushi Asakura Bowl
If you are buying Japanese lacquerware for the first time, starting with a bowl that can be used regularly is a good option. The Echizen Kō-Urushi Asakura Bowl 4.5 Sun by Fukui-based lacquerware brand Shitsurindo combines a traditional shape with features designed for modern everyday life.
The bowl is hand-finished using 100% natural urushi lacquer. Its outward-curving rim makes it comfortable to hold and easy to bring food to your mouth. With a capacity of 600 ml, it can be used not only for soup but also for noodles and rice bowls. Echizen Kō-Urushi is also designed to be dishwasher-safe.
View the Shitsurindo Echizen Kō-Urushi Asakura Bowl 4.5 Sun
What to Check When Buying Japanese Lacquerware from Overseas
When buying lacquerware from overseas, look beyond the design and check the materials, type of lacquer, place of origin, and care instructions. If you are specifically looking for natural urushi lacquer, check whether the product description clearly states that natural lacquer is used.
Whether a piece can be used in a dishwasher or microwave also varies from product to product. Since specifications can differ even among lacquerware items, it is important to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer or seller before purchasing.
Bring Japanese Lacquerware Into Everyday Life
Japanese lacquerware combines the beauty of traditional craftsmanship with the practicality of everyday tableware. Starting with a familiar item such as a soup bowl allows you to experience the shine, texture, and elegant appearance of lacquerware as part of your daily meals.
When buying from overseas, take a moment to check where the piece was made, what type of lacquer was used, and how it can be used and cared for. This will help you find a piece of Japanese lacquerware that fits naturally into your own lifestyle.
