Sabae Echizen Lacquer Ware Town

One of Japan's most traditional, beautiful crafts

Larry Knipfing Nov 19, 2013 - 1 min read

An example of Mr. Tomita's exquisite work

See this impressive "dashi" (float) at the Lacquer Ware Center - it is made entirely of lacquer!

Mr. Sunao Tsuchida, director of Echizen Lacquer Ware Cooperative Association, explaining some of the hundreds of the unique details of this "Dashi"

Back view of the float, which incorporates dozens of visual interpretations of local legends and animals, each with its own story!

Mr. Kazuo Horie, Chairman of the Kawada district's association of lacquer artists, the 'Under the Eaves Craft Center'

Mr. Keiichiro Kobashi does it all - cutting, carving, painting

Mr. Kobashi needs a large number of buildings for all of his activities

Mr. Koichiro Tsukada, renown for his lacquer painting techniques

The entrance to Mr. Tsukada's home/workplace/display space

Mr. Noboyuki Tomita, renown for his sophisticated carving techniques

The entrance to Mr. Tomita's home/workplace/display space

Delicious meals are served here, made of fresh local ingredients

Japan is known worldwide for its beautiful traditional lacquerware, and Kawada, Sabae in Fukui prefecture is one of Japan's top lacquerware spots. Dozens of highly respected, incredibly talented artists live and work here. Sabae's Echizen Lacquerware Town (うるしの里会館) is part museum, part gift shop/restaurant, part event space. This is the jumping-off point for anyone who is interested in seeing (or trying) how lacquerware is made. Also, tours can be arranged to visit some of the artists. I had an opportunity to do so, and it was an unforgettable experience! Check out some of their webpage and a Facebook page to get more of an idea of what is going on in the area.

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...