Gobara Shikki is an everyday lacquerware tradition from Hiruzen in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture (formerly the Gobara district). Its origins are said to date back to the Meitoku era (around 1390-1400), and it is known for a production method found nowhere else in Japan's lacquerware regions: chestnut wood native to the Hiruzen highlands is turned on a lathe while still freshly felled, or 'green,' rather than dried first. Bowls and trays finished with natural lacquer such as Bicchu-urushi, which brings out the beauty of the wood grain, have long served as everyday household tools rather than decorative objects. Production peaked in the late Taisho and early Showa periods but was interrupted around the time of World War II. A local revival effort began in 1989, and in 1996 Gobara Shikki was designated an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Today, the tradition of green-wood lathe turning, spanning more than 600 years, is carried on at the Gobara Shikki Museum ('Gobara Shikki no Yakata').
Origin
Gobara Shikki production is said to have begun in the Meitoku era (around 1390-1400). The Gobara district on the Hiruzen highlands in northern Okayama Prefecture (present-day Hiruzen, Maniwa City) was a source of high-quality chestnut wood, and the area developed a distinctive technique found nowhere else in lacquerware production: 'namaki-biki,' turning freshly felled green wood on a lathe to make the wooden base.
History
Production reached its peak in the late Taisho and early Showa periods, but came to a halt around the outbreak of World War II. In 1989, local volunteers began efforts to revive production, and in 1996 Gobara Shikki was designated an Okayama Prefecture Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Today, wood-turning craftsmen based at the Gobara Shikki Museum handle production, exhibition, and sales.
Features
Its defining feature is 'namaki rokuro-biki' (green-wood lathe turning): chestnut wood from the Hiruzen region is turned on a lathe while still freshly felled and undried, rather than dried first. Finished with natural lacquer such as Bicchu-urushi that highlights the wood grain, it has been made for over 600 years as sturdy, practical everyday lacquerware.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Green-wood lathe turning
Freshly felled green wood is turned on a lathe to shape bowls, trays, and other wooden bases.
- 2
Drying
The turned wooden bases are dried slowly and thoroughly.
- 3
Lacquering
Natural lacquer is applied in layers to finish the piece while bringing out the wood grain.
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Artisans & Workshops
髙月國光
Born in Kurashiki City. After four years of training at the Ishikawa Prefectural Institute of Wood Turning Technology, he moved to Hiruzen, Maniwa City in 2003 and became a wood-turning craftsman of Gobara Shikki. He now serves as director of the Gobara Shikki Museum, passing on the technique of green-wood lathe turning.
Official site →How to Buy
- 郷原漆器の館
- A facility that serves as the production, exhibition, and sales base for Gobara Shikki. Bowls, trays, and other items made using the green-wood lathe-turning technique can be purchased here.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
郷原漆器の館
岡山県真庭市蒜山上福田425
Painting experiences cost around 1,800 yen for the painting fee plus the price of the lacquerware item (reservation required). Visitors can also observe the production process.
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