Wakasa-nuri
LacquerwareHokuriku
Price range
¥1,000 ~ ¥10,000
Decorative lacquer chopsticks from Fukui with embedded eggshell and shell patterns.
Wakasa-nuri is a lacquerware tradition from Obama, Fukui Prefecture, best known for its stunning lacquered chopsticks, which account for approximately 80% of all lacquered chopsticks produced in Japan. Developed in the early Edo period, the technique involves embedding eggshell, seashell, pine needles, and other materials between layers of colored lacquer, then polishing to reveal luminous patterns inspired by the sea floor of Wakasa Bay. The multi-layered process can require up to 50 coats of lacquer.
At a Glance
- Craft Type
- lacquerware
- Region
- Hokuriku
- Materials
- Japanese lacquer, eggshell, seashell
- Designation
- national traditional
- Price Range
- ¥1000–¥10000
Materials
Japanese lacquer, eggshell, seashell
Techniques
Inlay, polishing, multi-layer lacquering
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of craft is Wakasa-nuri?
Wakasa-nuri is a traditional Japanese lacquerware craft.
What materials are used to make Wakasa-nuri?
Wakasa-nuri is made using Japanese lacquer, eggshell, seashell.
Is Wakasa-nuri a designated traditional craft?
Yes, Wakasa-nuri holds the National Traditional Craft designation.
Where does Wakasa-nuri originate from?
Wakasa-nuri originates from Hokuriku, Japan.
What techniques are used to make Wakasa-nuri?
The techniques used include: Inlay, polishing, multi-layer lacquering.
How much does Wakasa-nuri cost?
Wakasa-nuri is typically priced between ¥1000 and ¥10000.
Is Wakasa-nuri a good souvenir from Japan?
Wakasa-nuri is a popular traditional Japanese craft that makes an excellent souvenir.
What makes Wakasa-nuri unique?
Wakasa-nuri is distinguished by its Inlay, polishing, multi-layer lacquering techniques and Japanese lacquer, eggshell, seashell materials.
How is Wakasa-nuri traditionally used?
Wakasa-nuri is a traditional Japanese lacquerware craft with both practical and decorative applications.
