There are many theories about the time of birth of Wajima-Nuri ware. Most commonly it is believed to be sometimes in Muromachi-era (around13C.). There is a trace of Red Lacquer painted on the inside door of a Shrine built in Wajima in 1397, and the signature of a Lacquer Artist, "Saburo Jiro Sadakichi" on a temple built in 1476. Also a very primitive form of black lacquer bowl and tray had been found in a temple built in either the late Kamakura-era or early Muromachi-era.
"4 bowls and a square tray" found in Joko-Ji temple in Suzu-city, made either late Momoyama-era or early Edo-era, resemble the style of today's Wajima-Nuri Lacquer ware. In the beginning, Lacquer ware was made mainly for the purpose of religious ceremony. Beginning around this era, people started to use them as daily ware. Consequently, the techniques of make Lacquer ware more strong and durable have been developed by many craftsmen since then.
In Kanbun-period (1661-1673) of Edo-era, Wajima craftsmen invented the techni"Nunogise" technique, became the distinctive characteristics of Wajima-Nuri lacquer ware.
The concept of decorating Wajima-Nuri lacquer ware, was only introduced around the middle of Edo-era. There were some primitive decorating methods such as painting black lacquer ware with red lacquer, but most of early wares were plain lacquer ware with no decoration. Around Kyoho period (1716-1736) of Edo-era, "Chin-kin" technique was invented, and "Makie" technique was introduced by Mr. & Mrs. Yasuyoshi from Aizu-Han (now Fukushima prefecture). Many craftsmen and artists from Kanazawa and Kyoto, moved and settled down in Wajima and introduced different techniques.
Around this era, Wajima-Nuri ware started its sale to all over Japan through merchants. In Bunka-Bunsei period (1804-1829), Wajima-Nuri lacquer ware had flourished and many significant works had been created by skillful craftsmen and artists. These important history, technique, invention, craftsmanship, spirit have been passed on to the present day.
