Naruko lacquerware with 400 years of historyNaruko lacquerware is a specialty of the former town of Naruko-machi (now Osaki-shi) in Miyagi Prefecture. It is said to have originated in the early Edo period, during the years of Kanei (1624 – 1643). That means it has nearly 400 years of history. |
What he brought back from training in AkitaTsuneo Goto was born in a family of craftsmen who have long played an important role in Naruko lacquerware, and he himself has been making lacquerware for a long time. In his teens, he became an apprentice at a lacquerware workshop in Akita, where he learned various techniques, about 50 in total. Goto showed us the first piece he made during his apprenticeship. A large plate with patterns of plants using egg shells. |
Tradition and beyondNeedless to say, Goto is a Naruko lacquerware specialist, but he is also able to use many different techniques. Goto ushered us into his workshop and showed us many pieces of his work. There, a vermillion tray of a deep hue with black lacquer showing through caught Nakata’s eyes. On the surface, it is was decorated with delicate lines created by painting the lacquer in many layers then sanded. |
ACCESS
- Goto Lacquerware Workshop
- 122-2 Shinyashiki, Naruko-onsen, Osaki-shi, Miyagi