Lacquerware form the Old Post Town ”Gobara Shikki”

2009.9.192019.4.13

600 year history of making lacquerware

In the olden days, Hiruzengobara in Okayama was a post town. It was once busy with travelers since it was the shortest course for traveling from Bizen and Bicchu (southeast and west Okayama Prefecture) to Houki (midwest Tottori Prefecture). Residents of Gobara made their living by making lacquerware. The history goes back as far as 600 years. Lacquerware made in Gobara, called ”Gobara shikki”, is made from Morus bombycis wood, a kind of chestnut tree that grows in local Hiruzen and is very strong. The lacquerware is simple yet beautiful, and not expensive, making it very popular among commoners.

Chestnut wood grown to make lacquerware

However, during World War II, lacquer which is essential for making lacquerware, became a state controlled item. Not being able to obtain lacquer during the war, production of ”Gobara shikki” diminished. And with the sudden social changes after the war, production came to an end. About 20 years ago, locals concerned with the situation revived ”Gobara shikki”. They work not in private workshops but at the Gobara Lacquerware Museum.
In making ”Gobara shikki”, chestnut wood is sliced then milled while still fresh. It is then dried and a thin layer of lacquer is applied and polished off. Forming items while the wood is still fresh is unique and not found in any other parts of Japan. This traditional method is followed to this day. Gobara shikki is designated as Important Cultural Property of Okayama prefecture, and is also registered as Tangible Cultural Property. You can observe the production process by reservation at Gobara Lacquerware Museum. It may be interesting to visit and reflect upon its history.