About Ryukyu Lacquerware
Ryukyu lacquerware is produced in Okinawa Prefecture. Developed as royal court ware from around the 14th century during the Ryukyu Kingdom, it fused Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian lacquer techniques into a unique style. Featuring vivid vermilion and black tones with unique techniques like chinkin, raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), and tuikin (raised lacquer painting). Craftsmen in Naha continue the tradition.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
沈金螺鈿堆錦（ついきん）描金朱漆塗り
Materials
天然漆木地（琉球松など）夜光貝
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 国際通り・壺屋周辺の漆器店 hands-on experience