Odawara Lacquerware
Odawara Lacquerware (小田原漆器, Odawara-shikki) is a traditional lacquerware craft produced in and around Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture.
It is known for its emphasis on wood-grain beauty, achieved through transparent or semi-transparent lacquer coatings that highlight the natural character of the wood. Odawara Lacquerware combines skilled woodturning with refined lacquer techniques to create simple, durable, and elegant everyday wares.
Overview
Odawara Lacquerware is characterised by:
- visible and expressive wood grain,
- transparent or lightly pigmented lacquer finishes,
- precision woodturning,
- simple, functional shapes suited to daily use.
The craft belongs to the broader group of lacquerware traditions that emphasise the beauty of the wood itself, rather than opaque decorative finishes.
History
The origins of Odawara Lacquerware date to the Kamakura period, when woodcarvers and lacquer artisans working for nearby temple complexes and the Kamakura shogunate migrated into the region.
Key historical phases:
- Kamakura–Muromachi periods: early woodcarving and lacquerwork supporting temples and aristocratic households.
- Edo period: Odawara became a castle town and a relay point on the Tōkaidō; production of bowls, trays, and containers increased to meet demand from travelers and local merchants.
- Meiji–Taishō periods: workshops participated in industrial and national craft exhibitions; production expanded to include high-quality tableware.
- Shōwa onward: development of refined transparent finishes and modern woodturning techniques.
Odawara’s location between Edo (Tokyo) and Hakone contributed to its commercial success.
Characteristics
Notable features include:
- Transparent lacquer (suki-urushi) revealing the wood grain
- Warm, natural aesthetic
- Precision woodturning as a core technique
- Use of local hardwoods such as zelkova, chestnut, and keyaki
- Durability suited to daily household use
The style differs from heavily decorated lacquerware such as Kyoto maki-e or Wajima-nuri, focusing instead on subtlety and functional beauty.
Production
Production follows a sequence rooted in woodturning and careful lacquering:
- Selecting and drying high-quality hardwoods
- Shaping on a lathe using traditional techniques
- Smoothing and preparing the surface
- Applying transparent or lightly tinted lacquer
- Repeating coating and polishing cycles
- Final finishing to bring out the wood grain
The crafting process prioritises the enhancement of natural materials.
Uses
Odawara Lacquerware includes:
- bowls (especially soup bowls)
- plates and trays
- tea utensils
- sake cups
- household containers
- modern interior objects
Its understated finish makes it suitable for both traditional and contemporary settings.
Odawara Lacquerware Today
Odawara remains an active lacquerware centre supported by local guilds and family workshops. Modern artisans continue to focus on natural finishes, precision woodturning, and objects intended for everyday use, while also experimenting with contemporary forms. The craft maintains a strong presence within the Kantō region’s handmade tableware industry.
See Also
References
- Kanagawa Prefecture Traditional Industries Division. “Odawara-shikki: Woodturning and Lacquer Craft of Odawara.”
- Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. “Odawara Lacquerware Overview.”
- National Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries. “Kantō Region Lacquerware Traditions.” Tokyo, 2019.
