Hida Shunkei-nuri is a lacquerware tradition from Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, distinguished by its use of transparent lacquer (sukiurushi) rather than black or vermilion lacquer, which lets the natural beauty of the wood grain show through. Its origins are said to trace back to the early Edo period, during the Keicho era (1596-1615), when the fine grain of sawara (Japanese false cypress) offcuts discovered during the construction of a shrine or temple in the Takayama castle town was fashioned into a tray finished with transparent lacquer, a piece said to have been presented to the imperial court and the shogunate, marking the beginning of Hida's lacquerware tradition. Since then, kijishi (woodturners) who shape the wooden base and nushi (lacquerers) who apply the lacquer have refined their crafts through a division of labor, developing everyday items such as trays, tiered boxes, and confectionery containers. On February 17, 1975 (Showa 50), it was designated a Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and production continues today in kilns and workshops throughout Takayama City. Each lacquerer's individual touch gives rise to distinct hues and lustre, so that no two pieces of the same shape ever look exactly alike.
Origin
The origins of Hida Shunkei-nuri are said to trace back to the early Edo period, during the Keicho era (1596-1615). During construction work on shrines and temples in the Takayama castle town, offcuts of sawara wood with beautiful grain were discovered; these were fashioned into a tray and finished with transparent lacquer, producing a piece in which the beauty of the grain stood out. This tray is said to have been presented to the imperial court and the shogunate, becoming the starting point for Hida's lacquerware craft.
History
Throughout the Edo period, Hida Shunkei-nuri developed as a specialty of Takayama, and everyday items such as trays, tiered boxes, and confectionery containers came to be widely produced. Kijishi, who turn the wooden base, and nushi, who apply the lacquer, refined their skills through a division of labor, with techniques passed down within each family. On February 17, 1975 (Showa 50), it was designated a Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and it became known nationwide as a representative lacquerware of Hida-Takayama.
Features
Its defining feature is the use of thin, repeated coats of transparent lacquer rather than black or vermilion lacquer, allowing the natural wood grain to show through. Kijishi shape the wood using horse chestnut, hinoki cypress, and sawara, while nushi first tint the base yellow or red before applying layers of transparent lacquer, producing a lustrous amber or tortoiseshell-colored finish. Each lacquerer's individual touch gives rise to distinct hues and lustre, so that no two pieces of the same shape ever look exactly alike.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Shaping the wooden base
Kijishi (woodturners) shape horse chestnut, hinoki cypress, and sawara wood using lathe-turning and joinery techniques into the form of trays, tiered boxes, and other items.
- 2
Sealing the grain (stabilizing the base)
Powdered whetstone or plaster mixed with water is worked into the wood grain and wiped away, a process repeated two to three times to stabilize the wooden base.
- 3
Coloring
The wooden base is dyed yellow with gardenia and Amur cork tree, and red with bengala and other pigments, in separate sections.
- 4
Preparing the base coat
Raw lacquer, glue solution, and soybean liquid are applied to prevent the lacquer from being absorbed unevenly into the wood.
- 5
Rubbed lacquering and final coating
Transparent lacquer mixed with perilla oil is applied in many thin coats, producing an amber lustre that brings out the beauty of the wood grain.
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Artisans & Workshops
山田春慶店
A manufacturer of Hida Shunkei-nuri lacquerware with a shop near the approach to Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. In addition to traditional trays and tiered boxes, it also produces modern items such as ballpoint pens, watches, and accessories for women.
Official site →株式会社中山漆器（飛騨春慶塗本舗）
A lacquerware shop in Hida-Takayama engaged in the manufacture, wholesale, and retail of Hida Shunkei-nuri. It conveys the history and techniques of Shunkei-nuri as a Traditional Craft.
Official site →飛騨春慶塗本舗 福壽漆器店
A Shunkei-nuri specialty shop in Hida-Takayama that also places emphasis on introducing its production process.
Official site →How to Buy
- Yamada Shunkei-ten (Online Store)
- Offers original items made by artisans, including trays, tiered boxes, and lunch boxes, ranging in price from roughly 2,980 yen to over 10,000 yen.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
飛驒民俗村・飛騨の里
岐阜県高山市上岡本町1-590
At this open-air museum lined with gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses, visitors can see demonstrations and take part in hands-on programs covering Shunkei-nuri and other traditional Hida crafts. Admission is 700 yen for adults.
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