About Takaoka Lacquerware
Takaoka lacquerware is produced in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. Said to have begun when the Takaoka castle town was established in 1611. Featuring various techniques including raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), carved lacquer, and rust painting, it is particularly renowned for its raden technique using thinly sliced shells (turban shell, abalone). The combination with Takaoka's metal craft traditions creates unique beauty.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
螺鈿彫刻塗彫漆錆絵
Materials
天然漆夜光貝・鮑貝木地
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 高岡漆器（産地にご確認ください） hands-on experience