Yakumo-nuri (Matsue Lacquerware with Polished-out Designs)

Yakumo-nuri is lacquerware that originated in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, in the Meiji era. Designs are painted with colored lacquer, aogai (thin pieces of shell) and gold and silver powder on a lacquer-coated base, then suki-urushi is applied over them in layers, polished out (togidashi) and burnished to finish. Suki-urushi is a transparent, amber-colored lacquer. Its transparency increases over the years, so the designs painted beneath gradually emerge in vivid color, which is said to be a feature not found in other production areas. It is said to have been devised by 坂田平一, a palanquin lacquerer of the Matsue domain. 籠手田安定, the governor of Shimane Prefecture, wanted to make it a specialty product of the prefecture and named it Yakumo-nuri after 'Yakumo tatsu', an ancient poem of Izumo. It was produced in large quantities from the Meiji era through the Showa era. Main products include flower vases, natsume (tea caddies), fubako (letter boxes), trays, bowls and mirrors. It is designated a Shimane Prefecture Furusato Traditional Craft and is currently made in Matsue City and Izumo City.