Discovering Fukui Crafts: Japan's First Lacquerware Artistry

For the second half of this two-part article series “Discovering Fukui Crafts”, we zoom in on yet another Japanese traditional craft for which Fukui Prefecture (福井県) boasts the title of top national producer: lacquerware. 

Specifically, we’ll explore the story of one of the pioneering artisans and how they’ve modernised this centuries-old craft.

Just like the washi paper featured in the previous article, the lacquerware introduced here will also be available at the opening pop-up shop of LUMINE’s new flagship store, in Raffles City Shopping Centre! 

But first, let’s dive deep into the world of Japanese lacquerware.

What is Japanese Lacquerware?

For those unfamiliar, lacquerware (漆器 shikki) are actually wood-based wares, with shiny coatings made from the sap of trees. In Japan, they are typically found in black or red, and often embellished with gold decoration as they are traditionally used in ceremonial events like weddings.

A long series of steps are involved in Japanese lacquerware production, from sap collection to wood-base carving, undercoating, overcoating, and various techniques of gold application. Each of these processes are undertaken by different specialised artisans, through an intricate division of labour within the tightly-knitted communities of each production area.

Fukui: Japan’s oldest lacquerware producer 

The style of lacquerware unique to Fukui Prefecture is known as Echizen shikki (越前漆器), and primarily produced in Sabae City (鯖江市). Fukui is in fact both the oldest and largest lacquerware producer in Japan. 

Like washi paper, weather plays a key factor here: high humidity is crucial in facilitating the hardening process in lacquer production, and Fukui provides the perfect environment in that aspect, with its rainy weather. 

That also explains why the Hokuriku Region as a whole is a haven for lacquerware lovers, with other famous lacquerware such as Wajima lacquerware (輪島塗) in Noto and Yamanaka lacquerware (山中漆器) in Kaga found in the neighbouring Ishikawa Prefecture.

Shitsurindo: Lacquerware for modern everyday

Founded in 1793, Shitsurindo is one of the pioneers of the lacquerware industry. | ©Kitchen Minoru

One of the pioneering lacquerware producers in Fukui and Japan is Shitsurindo (漆琳堂), founded in 1793. Contrary to the aforementioned division of labour typical to Japanese lacquerware production, Shitsurindo has a unique history in starting out as lacquer sap collectors, before gaining appointment as high-ranking lacquer merchants, and since then expanding into the various other steps of lacquerware production over generations. 

Toru Uchida of Shitsurindo is breathing new life into Echizen lacquerware. | ©Kitchen Minoru

The current eighth-generation proprietor of Shitsurindo, Toru Uchida, is the youngest traditional craftsman in the region. He has strived to evolve lacquerware to fit modern-day lifestyles, including the invention of “Echizen Kata-urushi” (越前硬漆), literally meaning “hard lacquer”. Crucially, this method allows for dishwashing machine-compatible lacquerware, which was not possible with previous traditional lacquerware.

This colourful Rin & Co series is made to fit modern lifestyles. | ©Kitchen Minoru

The Shitsurindo showroom in Sabae. | ©Kitchen Minoru

Uchida also came up with a new line, Rin & Co., which combines the lasting qualities of lacquerware with a modern colour scheme and design that can suit any cuisine. Every piece is painted by hand, and features brush stroke designs that are not possible with typical spray painted products.

Each piece of lacquerware is painstakingly painted by hand. | ©Kitchen Minoru

The resulting lacquerware is so precise that it is easy to mistake it as machine-made. With such a painstaking craftsmanship and production process, authentic lacquerware producers are often challenged to find ways to keep their exquisite products affordable.

The rotational drying process is the only step using machinery. | ©Kitchen Minoru

Through his innovations with Echizen shikki, Uchida hopes that younger generations and overseas clientele will come to appreciate the lasting qualities and health benefits of using lacquerware.

Shitsurindo (漆琳堂)
Address: 701 Nishibukurocho, Sabae, Fukui 916-1221
Access: 30-minute bus ride from Sabae Station (鯖江駅)

Sava!Store: Fukui’s diverse crafts under one roof

Naohiro Niiyama, who runs the Sava! Store, goes beyond product design to community design. | ©Kitchen Minoru

While this article series has focused on washi paper and lacquerware, Fukui is truly a treasure chest of so many other traditional crafts worth discovering, and the last story we introduce here is of a design firm that seeks to weave that diverse range of crafts into appealing products for the modern crowd.

Eco-friendly and fashionable, these accessories are made from the same material used to make Sabae hand-crafted spectacles. | ©Kitchen Minoru

Tsugi (meaning “to connect”), is a creative design firm newly set up in 2013 by Osaka-born Naohiro Niiyama, with the aim of helping traditional craft industries in Fukui, including those of Sabae and Echizen, package and present their products. The craft-rich landscape of Fukui had actually inspired Niiyama to venture beyond his studies in architecture, into both product and community design. 

“Sabae and Echizen is a densely populated area, with local cottage industries such as lacquerware, eyewear, washi and knives within a 10-km radius,” he says. “This is a feature unique to the area.” 

Part of Tsugi’s efforts include creating websites for the craftsmen, in order to enhance their appeal to a wider market. Those seeking practical rather than purely decorative items will be glad to hear what Niiyama has to share about the craftsmen he has worked with: “The craftsmen in Echizen take pride in making practical products, and don’t view themselves as artisans or their work as artwork. In fact, they get annoyed if you call their products ‘art’.” 

The finest of Fukui craft and goods can be found at the Sava!Store. | ©Kitchen Minoru

All the products at Sava!Store are fine specimens of traditional craftsmanship.  | ©Kitchen Minoru

The firm also runs the Sava!Store, where the latest range of both functional and fashionable Fukui crafts can be found for purchase. There are two outlets, one at the Tsugi headquarters and one near Fukui station. And if you’re keen for a more intimate experience, know that Niiyama also organises craft experience tours that allow a hands-on encounter of Fukui’s rich craftsmen culture. 

SAVA!STORE (Head Branch)
Address: 19-8 Kawadacho, Sabae, Fukui 916-1222
Access: 30-minute bus ride from Sabae Station (鯖江駅)

SAVA!STORE (Fukui Station Branch)
Address: 1-3-5 Chuo, Fukui, 910-0006 (inside MINIE)
Access: 2-minute walk from Fukui Station (福井駅)

Discover Fukui Crafts @ LUMINE Singapore

Having heard these intimate stories of Fukui’s traditional crafts and the new generation of innovators that have sought to keep these precious traditions alive and relevant, we hope you will be inspired to make a trip down to come in touch with these crafts, and the many other hidden gems of Fukui, for yourself.

LUMINE SINGAPORE’s global flagship store at Raffles City Shopping Centre, newly opened in August 2024.

But as mentioned in the previous article, you now also have a chance to get your hands on some of these products right here in Singapore! At the pop-up store of LUMINE’s new flagship store at Raffles City Shopping Centre, focused on Fukui crafts including the ones we’ve featured: washi, lacquerware, and even accessories spun-off from Sabae eyewear! 

Don’t miss this chance to discover the many hidden gems from Fukui Prefecture! 

This article is adapted from LUMINE Singapore.

Header image credit: ©Kitchen Minoru