About Nikko Bori (Nikko Carved Lacquerware)
Nikko Bori is a wood-carved lacquerware produced in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, said to originate when carving craftsmen who gathered from across Japan to build Nikko Toshogu Shrine (early 17th century) settled in the area and decorated wooden goods as souvenirs for pilgrims. Its defining feature is the use of a unique carving knife called 'hikkaki-to' (pulling knife) that carves by pulling toward the craftsman. Representative products include trays, boxes, frames, and vases decorated with peony, chrysanthemum, and maple leaf motifs. A leading Tochigi tradition that fuses Nikko's natural splendor with the ornate carving culture of Toshogu.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
Materials
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 日光彫工芸品展示販売センター hands-on experience