Kagawa ceramics were born of experimentation by Tamagaji Zoukoku in the latter half of the Edo era. He combined ancient Japanese processes with new approaches, such as "Kinma" and "Zonsei," communicated from China and Thailand. These techniques were maintained, and today a large amount of special lacquerwork is produced--particularly in the city of Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture. This lacquerware is broadly referred to as "Kagawa lacquerware." Using techniques polished over time, a variety of items are produced. They range from the everyday--such as low tables, display cases, trays, saucers and dishes for sweets--to artworks and highest-quality furniture. These are lacquerworks easy to use, and with the widest range in Japan. |
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The most prominent Kagawa lacquerware processes are Kinma, Gotou-Nuri, Zonsei, Choushitsu and Zoukoku-Nuri. If you keep using them, their character will deepen with the passing of time, and the color tone special to Kagawa lacquerware will become more and more apparent. Every year, they gain further attention as the number of orders from both within Kagawa and from the rest of the country increases. |
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| Kinma begins with black or vermillion lacquer painted in tens of layers on bamboo or wood, then carved finely using an etching needle. Colored lacquer is set into the channels, then polished to create an inlay that is itself a kind of lacquer. The carving of the lacquered surface is similar to the process of "Chinkin" (in which etched grooves are filled with gold powder), but the process of repeatedly carving and filling with red and yellow lacquer is repeated, and polishing the surface smooth when the inlaying is finished is a unique process that takes a huge amount of labor. Because of the beautiful patterns and level of dignity, Kinma can be called the king of Kagawa lacquerware. |
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| The techniques of Zonsei are believed to have come to Japan in the middle of the Muromachi era (1336-1573) from south-east Asia via China. Tamagashi Zoukoku added new techniques to the Chinese process to create a Japanese craft, but the Chinese name "Zonsei" was maintained. Using colored lacquer, a picture is painted onto a black, red or yellow lacquer base, and then the border and key parts are etched with an etching needle. Zonsei is appreciated as a technique used to make round trays, boxes for letters, and other items for use in everyday life. |
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| A process in which layers of lacquer are painted on, and then the surface is carved with an etching needle to create a beautiful pattern. The special feature of Kagawa Choushitsu lies in the layering and etching. For example, 30 layers of green may be layered on 30 layers of red; occasionally, the number of layers exceeds 200. By carving down to the level of the desired color, the covered lacquer hues are revealed, and a design full of artistry is created. Choushitsu are highly regarded as decorative pieces. |
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| Also called "phoenix-tree painting," but usually called "Gotou-Nuri" after its creator, Gotou Heio. It is impossible to tire of the refined patterns, which are based around vermillion, and the more you use these items the more the unique character of the lacquer deepens. In Kagawa, Gotou-Nuri is loved to the extent that every household has one or two pieces. It is also widely valued by tea ceremony practitioners. |
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| Called "Zoukuku-Nuri" after the founder of Kagawa lacquerware, Tamagashi Zoukoku. Widely used for saucers and trays, it is created by layering lacquer on a wood base before sprinkling and painting with powdered Manchurian wild rice. Simple and classically elegant, with a subtle character and shading that deepen with the passing of time. Zoukoku is said to possess the spirit of "wabi-sabi," the refined simplicity at the heart of Japanese art. |
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■A Beautiful Gloss, A Cool Feel
Unlike plastic, ceramic and glass, lacquer has a special property that sees it truly develop a beautiful gloss and a cool feel the more it is used. This is a reward from lacquer that can only be enjoyed by those who make it a part of their lives.
■Not Fragile, Not Heat-Conductive
More difficult to break than ceramic or glass, and because it has a low thermal conductivity you can touch it even when it contains hot food.
■Even Scratches Are Beautiful
Lacquer has a property that sees it become harder the longer it is used.
The scratches that may occur in this long period will come to look beautiful too.
■No Rashes
Because we dispatch lacquerworks in a thoroughly dried condition, you won't get a rash from them.
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Please experience for yourself these beautiful, uniquely Japanese items that gain character as you use them.
◆Care of Lacquerware
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