Nanao-nuri

Nanao-nuri (七尾塗) is a traditional Japanese lacquerware craft produced in and around the city of Nanao on the Noto Peninsula in Category:Ishikawa Prefecture. Closely related to the lacquerware traditions of the Hokuriku region, Nanao-nuri developed as a regional variant distinguished by its practical household wares, multiple-layer lacquering, and restrained decorative style. It has been produced since the Edo period and is historically connected to the cultural sphere of nearby Wajima and Kanazawa.

Overview

Nanao-nuri belongs to the broader family of Hokuriku lacquerware crafts. While its neighbouring Wajima-nuri is known for thick undercoating and decorative techniques, Nanao-nuri traditionally focused on:

• durable everyday vessels,
• simpler coating methods,
• practical designs suited for household use.

The craft reflects the maritime character of the Noto region and the historical demand for sturdy, moisture-resistant wares.

History

Lacquerware production in the Nanao area dates back to the Edo period, when the Noto Peninsula developed a regional craft economy centred on woodworking, fishing, and maritime trade. Artisans produced:

• bowls,
• trays,
• meal containers,
• storage boxes,

primarily for local households and temple communities.

During the Meiji and Taishō periods, Nanao-nuri expanded due to increased trade routes along the Sea of Japan coast. Although less ornate than Wajima-nuri, the craft maintained its identity as a functional lacquerware tradition.

In the Shōwa and Heisei eras, efforts to preserve regional craftsmanship led to the formal recognition of Nanao’s lacquer workshops, emphasising continuity with traditional production methods.

Characteristics

Nanao-nuri is typically identified by:

• Moderate lacquer layers aimed at durability rather than heavy decorative buildup
• Warm colour palette including black, vermilion, and deep brown
• Simple, clean forms reflecting everyday use
• Stable, moisture-resistant surfaces suitable for coastal climates
• Use of local wood sourced from the Noto Peninsula

The overall aesthetic is understated, functional, and regionally grounded.

Production

The general process typically includes:

1. Shaping a wooden base object
2. Applying an undercoat and intermediate lacquer coats
3. Repeated drying and polishing
4. Adding a final lacquer layer for protection and sheen

Compared to Wajima-nuri, Nanao-nuri uses fewer undercoats and minimal decorative techniques, focusing instead on durability and usability.

Uses

Traditional and modern objects include:

• bowls
• trays
• bento containers
• small boxes and cases
• interior utensils

The craft is valued for its reliability and simple elegance.

Nanao-nuri Today

Today, several workshops in Nanao continue to practise the craft, often in combination with woodworking traditions of the Noto region. Regional craft associations promote Nanao-nuri through exhibitions, local fairs, and collaborations with contemporary designers. Although smaller in scale than other Ishikawa lacquerware centres, Nanao-nuri preserves a distinct local heritage.

See Also

• Wajima-nuri
• Kaga Lacquerware
• Japanese lacquerware
• Hokuriku Region Crafts

References

1. Ishikawa Prefecture Cultural Resources Office. Traditional Crafts of the Noto Peninsula.
2. Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. Nanao-nuri Overview.
3. Nanao City Cultural Promotion Division. Craft Heritage of the Nanao Region.