Sakamoto-nuri

Sakamoto-nuri (坂本漆器) is a traditional Japanese lacquerware craft produced in the Sakamoto district at the foot of Mount Hiei in Shiga Prefecture. Rooted in temple culture surrounding the Tendai Buddhist complex of Enryaku-ji, Sakamoto-nuri is recognised for its deep, lustrous lacquer finishes and its historical association with religious artefacts, ceremonial implements, and refined household items.

Overview

Sakamoto-nuri is noted for:

• smooth, polished lacquer finishes,
• deep colour tones (often black or vermilion),
• careful craftsmanship associated with monastic traditions,
• restrained yet elegant shapes,
• production techniques closely linked to the cultural environment of Mount Hiei.

Compared with more decorative lacquerware styles such as Kyoto maki-e, Sakamoto-nuri typically emphasises simplicity, depth, and classical Buddhist aesthetics.

History

The origins of Sakamoto-nuri date to the Heian period, when Enryaku-ji and the surrounding monastic settlements required lacquered ritual implements, sutra boxes, and furnishings. Artisans in Sakamoto provided lacquerwork for temples on Mount Hiei and developed local lacquering methods.

Important historical phases include:

• Heian–Kamakura periods: early production of religious lacquerware tied to temple needs.
• Muromachi period: increased sophistication of lacquer finishing and expansion into domestic goods.
• Edo period: Sakamoto prospered as a temple town, and lacquerware spread into surrounding communities.
• Meiji–Taishō periods: preservation of traditional techniques through local ateliers.
• Modern era: continued production with a focus on high-quality daily-use items and ceremonial ware.

Characteristics

Notable features of Sakamoto-nuri include:

• Deep lacquer coatings with smooth, even surfaces
• Traditional colour palette (black, vermilion, brown)
• Balanced and restrained forms
• High durability for both ritual and domestic use
• Minimalist aesthetic reflecting temple culture

While not as heavily decorated as some other traditions, Sakamoto-nuri is valued for its quiet elegance and technical refinement.

Production

General production stages:

1. Preparing high-quality wooden bases
2. Applying undercoats and priming layers
3. Sanding and smoothing
4. Applying multiple layers of natural lacquer
5. Drying in controlled environments
6. Final polishing and finishing

Some workshops also produce speciality items for Buddhist ceremonies and temple contexts.

Uses

Sakamoto-nuri is used for:

• trays, bowls, plates
• boxes and containers
• writing tools
• tea utensils
• Buddhist ritual items
• ceremonial boxes and interior objects

The ware is suitable for both practical and formal settings.

Sakamoto-nuri Today

Sakamoto-nuri continues to be produced by long-established workshops and artisan families. The craft benefits from tourism around Mount Hiei, cultural preservation programs, and the ongoing role of Enryaku-ji as a major Buddhist institution. It remains one of the representative lacquer traditions of Shiga Prefecture.

See Also

• Japanese lacquerware
• Kyoto Lacquerware
• Negoro-nuri
• Nara Lacquerware

References

1. Shiga Prefecture Traditional Crafts Division. “Sakamoto Lacquerware and the Mount Hiei Tradition.”
2. Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. “Sakamoto-nuri Overview.”
3. National Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries. “Lacquerware of Shiga Prefecture.” Tokyo, 2020.