Legend has it that the people of Wajima learned lacquerware techniques from the priests of  Negoro-ji Temple in Wakayama Prefecture, who fled their home after the samurai warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi burned it to the ground. While there’s no direct evidence to back up that particular tale, there are artifacts that show lacquer being used in Wajima as early as the 14th century.

 Over time, the town’s craftsmen have perfected the art. They say the secret to Wajima lacquerware is a mineral called jinoko, which is used for shitaji, or “undercoats” to increase durability. After the shitaji, lacquer is applied; a finished piece of Wajima lacquerware might have hundreds of layers of lacquer. For very fine pieces, gold or silver decorations may be added at the end.