ISHIOKA KOGEI's Tsugaru Nuri
Tsugaru Lacquer originates from the Tsugaru district in Hirosaki city in northern Japan.
Several layers of different-colored lacquer, to which eggwhite has been added, are applied to a wooden core using a perforated spatula.
Rather than spreading the lacquer on as is the convention, Tsugaru craftsmen pat the the lacquer on with the spatula, thereby creating different patterns and textures. The layers of lacquer are then burnished down to produce the characteristic mottled patterning.
Kara-nuru -
the most commonly produced style with characteristic marks.
Nanako -
Edo style using small seeds to create a unique pattern.
Monsha -
Charcoal powder is used to create a matte finish.
Nishiki -
Brocade patterns that used to be only for high-ranking groups and samurai.