Kawatsura-shikki

Affordable lacquerware from Akita with sturdy construction for daily use.

Kawatsura-shikki is a lacquerware tradition from Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture, with over 800 years of history dating back to the Kamakura period when local warriors crafted lacquered armor and weapons during the long northern winters. The craft evolved into producing robust everyday lacquerware prized for its durability and warmth. Its production process emphasizes solid construction with hana-nuri (flower coating) finishing and sabi-shitaji (rust-based undercoat) that creates an exceptionally strong base.