Tsugaru lacquerware has a history of about 300 years since the Edo period. Tsugaru-nuri is said to have been created by father and son Genbei and Gentaro Ikeda, lacquer masters, during the reign of Tsugaru Nobumasa, the fourth lord of the Tsugaru domain. In order to create its unique pattern, layers of lacquer are repeatedly applied and polished, and after about 50 times, it is finally completed.

Four of the representative techniques, “Kara-nuri, Nanako-nuri, Monsha-nuri, and Nishiki-nuri », are designated as “traditional crafts” by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

At Tanaka Meisan, while preserving classical techniques, they believe that “tradition has to change with the times. » And they are actively developing new designs.

At Tanaka Meisan, craftsmen put their hearts into making Tsugaru lacquerware one by one in their own factory. In addition, they are actively developing new designs and new products while inheriting traditional techniques.