Nambu ironware (called nambu tekki in Japanese) is a form of metalwork produced in the city of Morioka in Iwate prefecture. It is a traditional handicraft that was first created in the middle of the Edo period (1603-1868). The name Nambu ironware …

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Joboji lacquerware (called Joboji nuri in Japanese) is produced in the town of Joboji in Iwate prefecture. More than 98% of the lacquer used in Japan is imported from China or other countries. The Joboji area is known as the leading producer of do…

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Hidehira lacquerware (called Hidehira-nuri in Japanese) is produced in the area around the town of Hiraizumi, in Iwate prefecture. The defining feature of Hidehira lacquerware is the use of gold leaf produced in the area around Hiraizumi, which re…

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Ryukyu lacquerware (called Ryukyu shikki in Japanese) is produced in Okinawa prefecture. Lacquerware techniques imported from China were well-adapted during the development of Ryukyu lacquerware unique to Okinawa. The technology and artistry invol…

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Ouchi lacquerware (called Ouchi nuri in Japanese) is produced around the city of Yamaguchi, in Yamaguchi prefecture. This craft emerged under the Ouchi clan, which boasted significant influence and power in the region during the Muromachi period (…

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Kyo lacquerware (called Kyo shikki in Japanese) is produced in the Kyoto area. Since it developed at the same time as the tea ceremony culture, this craft possesses a wabi-sabi* quality. Kyo lacquerware has a thinner and more delicate wood grain t…

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Niigata Lacquerware is a form of lacquerware produced in the area around Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture. The characteristics of Niigata Lacquerware are its various coating techniques (such as hana-nuri, ishime-nuri, nishiki-nuri, isokusa-nuri a…

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Murakami Kibori Tsuishu lacquerware is produced in the area around Murakami City, in Niigata Prefecture. The Murakami region, which was formerly the Murakami Domain, has been famous for its production of natural lacquer since the Heian Period. It …

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Tsubame Tsuiki Coppereware are metalwork made in an area around Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture. As traditional craftwork originating in the mid-Edo Period, Tsubame Tsuiki Coppereware have been produced in the form of kettles, and the like, by u…

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Echigo-Sanjo Uchihamono are hammer-forged blades produced in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture. Unlike modern blades made using the stamp pressing and polishing techniques developed in the post-World War II period, these blades are produced by hand-h…

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Echigo Yoita Uchihamono are blades produced for a variety of tools in the Yoita area of Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. They are smith forged, meaning red-hot metal is beaten to shape, and are distinguished by their refined sharp cutting edge an…

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