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"Kuronuri Sanjuwan"
(Black Lacquered Three-layer Bowls)
Presumably made in the Momoyama period (16th century)
First Bowl: h. 10.6 cm; d. 14.3 cm
Second Bowl: h. 6.2 cm; d. 13.3 cm
Third Bowl: h. 3.9 cm; d. 12.7 cm
Artist Unknown
Collection of the Wajima Urushi Ware Commerce and Industry
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| The Origin of Wajima Lacquerware |
The word "Wajima" first appeared in history in the middle of the Muromachi period (1393-1572). However, according to one theory the word is derived from "Wa no Shima" (the Island of Japan), an early name for Noto used by Chinese and Korean people in the Kofun period (4th - 7th centuries).
There are three theories about the origin of Wajima Lacquerware, but none of these is certain. According to one theory, a priest from Negoroji Temple in Kishu (an area that today is Wakayama-ken and Mie-ken) came to Jurenji Temple in Wajima, made furniture for the temple and passed lacquerware skills on to people in the area. Another theory says that a man living in Wajima named Fukuzo went to Negoroji Temple, learned the skills, and returned. According to another theory, which is the preferred one in Wajima, when Negoroji Temple was burned down by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1585, the priests left that area and carried these special skills to distant places, such as Aizu and Wajima. In any case, the common point of these theories leads us to believe that the origin of Wajima Lacquerware must be Negoro-nuri, which is supposedly the oldest practical lacquerware in Japan. Although there is no direct evidence in historical resources, it is believed that Wajima Lacquerware skills are based on the skills from Negoro. |
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