Kishu Lacquer Ware Lacquer Wakayama Prefecture Cooperative Union Wakayama-ken Lacquerware Commercial and Industrial Cooperative Association 222 Funao, Kainan, Wakayama Prefecture tel 0734-82-0322 Background Wood turners settled in the vicinity of present day Shiga Prefecture during the Muromachi period (1392-1573) and the turbulent times before the end of the 16th century. These craftsmen started making wooden soup bowls using the plentiful supplies of Japanese cypresses (Chamaecyparis Spach) found locally. This led to the production of shibujiwan bowls, which were primed with the tannin-rich juice extracted from persimmons. During the Edo period (1600-1868), lacquer ware became much more popular and it became known throughout the country as the greatest producer of shibujiwan bowls. Kishu lacquer ware was first called kuroe-nuri but with the increase in production, it was circulated as Kishu lacquer ware by which name it is known today. This lacquer ware can be used on a daily basis and is identifiable by its simplicity and solidness. The most representative forms are kuroe-nuri and negoro-nuri . Various pieces of tableware, tray, bowls for candies as well as stationary boxes are being produced to traditional designs. Among the 1,335 now employed by 260 firms, there are 8 nationally recognized Master Craftsmen sustaining this fine lacquer ware.