Tsugaru Lacquer

Tsugaru Lacquer originates from the Tsugaru district in Hirosaki city in northern Japan. Several layers of different-colored lacquer, to which egg white has been added, are applied to a wooden core using a perforated spatula.

Rather than spreading the lacquer on as is the convention, Tsugaru craftsmen pat the the lacquer on with the spatula, thereby creating different patterns and textures. The layers of lacquer are then burnished down to produce the characteristic mottled patterning.

Ishioka Craft is a well known producer of Tsugaru lacquer ware. The company is owned by the Ishioka family. Keiichi Ishioka is preparing to take the lead of the business. He is developing new products that combine the tradition of lacquer with the needs of contemporary life.

"All my products follow a simple design and are easy to use. They have a warm and human touch from the fact that they are hand-made with high attention to every detail." says Keiichi.