About Kamakura Bori Carved Lacquerware
Kamakura Bori is carved lacquerware produced in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Developed during the Kamakura period as a uniquely Japanese style inspired by Chinese 'Choushitsu' (carved lacquer) techniques from the Song and Yuan dynasties. Characterized by deep carving into the wood followed by layering of lacquer, the beauty of shadows created by the carved relief is its hallmark. Many workshops remain in Kamakura today, with active craft experience classes.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
木彫り漆塗り重ね凹凸彫刻
Materials
木地（桂・朴）天然漆
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 鎌倉彫会館 hands-on experience