Decortype › Lacquerware › Carved, Gilded & Inlaid Lacquer

Wajima-nuri lacquer

Japan tradition · 4 examples · indicative market tier: Under $500 (entry level & living craft)

Wajima-nuri (輪島塗) is a type of Japanese lacquerware from Wajima, Ishikawa. Wajima-nuri represents a form and style of lacquerware which is distinct from other Japanese lacquerware. The main distinguishing feature of Wajima-nuri is the durable undercoating achieved by the applying multiple layers of urushi mixed with powdered diatomaceous earth (ji-no-ko) onto delicate zelkova wooden substrates. Wikipedia →

Types & examples

Japanese rice in Wajima-nuri lacquerware
Japanese rice in Wajima-nuri lacquerware
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Wajima-nuri red rice bowl
Wajima-nuri red rice bowl
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Local cuisine on wajima-nuri lacquer ware
Local cuisine on wajima-nuri lacquer ware
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Wajima-nuri Kaikan ac
Wajima-nuri Kaikan ac
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where to buy

1stDibsHigh-end antiques & design marketplaceBrowse listings → LiveAuctioneersAggregated live auctions worldwideBrowse listings → InvaluableAuction-house listings & price archiveBrowse listings → Christie'sMajor-auction results & upcoming salesBrowse listings → EtsyLiving artisans & vintage dealersBrowse listings → eBayBroad secondary market — vet sellers carefullyBrowse listings →

Each link opens a live, image-rich search for this craft on that marketplace. Listings rotate constantly; authenticate significant pieces independently — attribution quality varies widely outside museum collections.