Aizu

Aizu lacquerware traces its earliest roots to the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573), when lacquer trees were first planted in the region, but it grew into a genuine industry only after 1590, when Gamo Ujisato, the era’s feudal lord of Aizu, invited wood and lacquer specialists from Omi Province (present-day Shiga Prefecture) to train local artisans in the latest techniques. That investment paid off: by the Edo period, Aizu had built a complete local supply chain from growing lacquer trees through to finished, decorated ware, and its lacquerware was successful enough to be exported as far as China and the Netherlands.

Aizu’s signature look comes from Aizu-e, a decorative style combining auspicious motifs, most commonly pine, bamboo, plum, and hamaya, ceremonial arrows traditionally used to ward off misfortune. Long-established workshops in the region, including firms tracing back to the early 20th century and earlier, continue producing lacquerware using these traditional motifs alongside maki-e gold decoration today.