Tamamushi-nuri is a relatively new lacquer art born in Sendai. It was devised and patented in 1932 (Showa 7) by lacquer artist Koiwa Shun at the 'National Craft Guidance Institute,' established in Sendai to promote industry and develop export craft products in the Tohoku region. A wooden or dry-lacquer base is first coated with a lacquer undercoat, then covered entirely with silver powder, over which a special semi-transparent 'tamamushi lacquer' tinted with color is applied in many layers and carefully polished to completion. The name comes from its lustrous shine, which subtly changes color depending on the viewing angle and how light falls on it, resembling the wings of the jewel beetle (tamamushi). Since Tohoku Kogei Seisakusho, founded in 1933 with Saura Motojirō as its first president, obtained the rights to practice the patent in 1939, it has continued production as a craft representative of Sendai. A wide range of products are made, from vases and trays to accessories and Western tableware, and it was designated a Traditional Craft designated by the Governor of Miyagi Prefecture in 1985 (Showa 60). Because its history as a traditional craft is relatively short, another appeal is that many of its designs suit contemporary lifestyles.
Origin
The origin of Tamamushi-nuri dates back to 1932 (Showa 7), at the 'National Craft Guidance Institute,' a national research facility established in Sendai. At this facility, set up to promote industry in the Tohoku region and develop craft products for export, lacquer artist Koiwa Shun devised a new coating technique and obtained a patent for it. Rather than a technique handed down locally over generations, its origin in industrial design research is a major feature that sets Tamamushi-nuri apart from other traditional lacquerware.
History
Tohoku Kogei Seisakusho, founded in 1933 (Showa 8), worked to develop Tamamushi-nuri under its first president, Saura Motojirō, and obtained the rights to practice the patent in 1939 (Showa 14). After the war, the technique was applied beyond traditional lacquerware to products suited to everyday life, such as Western tableware and accessories, developing it into a craft representative of Sendai. In 1985 (Showa 60), it was designated a Traditional Craft designated by the Governor of Miyagi Prefecture, and Tohoku Kogei Seisakusho remains the sole producer carrying on the technique today.
Features
The defining feature of Tamamushi-nuri is its lustrous shine, which subtly changes color depending on the viewing angle and how light falls on it. This shine is produced by first coating a wooden or dry-lacquer base with a lacquer undercoat, covering it entirely with silver powder, then applying a special semi-transparent tamamushi lacquer tinted with color in many layers over the silver powder and carefully polishing it. The name comes from the resemblance of this luster to the iridescent colors of the jewel beetle's (tamamushi) wings, and its modern, refined look, distinct from traditional lacquerware, is also part of its appeal.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Undercoating
A wooden or dry-lacquer base is coated with a lacquer undercoat to prepare the surface.
- 2
Applying silver powder
Silver powder is scattered over the entire undercoated surface, forming the layer that becomes the source of the shine.
- 3
Applying tamamushi lacquer
A special semi-transparent tamamushi lacquer tinted with color is applied over the silver powder in many layers.
- 4
Polishing and finishing
The layered coating is carefully polished to bring out the distinctive luster that changes color depending on the angle.
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Artisans & Workshops
東北工芸製作所（玉虫塗総本舗）
Founded in 1933, the sole producer carrying on the rights to practice the Tamamushi-nuri patent. In addition to its directly-run store in Uesugi, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, it produces works at its Ayashi workshop, offering a wide range of products from vases to accessories. A tabletop single-flower vase costs around 2,750 yen, and an old-fashioned glass costs around 9,900 yen.
Official site →How to Buy
- Tamamushi-nuri Shop (Tohoku Kogei Seisakusho directly-run store)
- Available for purchase at the directly-run store in Uesugi, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, and through its online store. A wide range of products is offered, including vases, accessories, and tableware, with tabletop single-flower vases starting at around 2,750 yen.Where to buy →PR