Wajima city is located in Noto peninsula. An 6,800 year old ancient lacqured comb was unearthed in this peninsula, which shows the long history of lacquer in this region. The oldest Wajima lacquerware in existence is said to be a door of the shrine in Wajima city, which dates back to the 16th century. 

 

All Wajima lacquerware is hand crafted through a process of several months to a few years to complete. There are three outstanding procedures. Wooden substrates, urushi application and decoration. Typically, in each step, a specialized craftsmen will show their significant skills that has been handed over from their masters for generations. In this combination with carving a wooden base, multiple coating of strong urushi lacquer and detailed decorations, Wajima lacquerware is the top level lacquerware in Japan and in the world.

 

Reference: Wajima Lacquerware Cooperative Association

http://www.wajimanuri.or.jp/index.html

(English) http://www.wajimanuri.or.jp/frame-e.htm