Japanese lacquerware

Japanese lacquerware (historically referred to as Japan, analogous to Chinese ceramics) is a broad category of fine and decorative arts, as lacquer has been used in paintings, prints, and on a wide variety of objects from Buddha statues to bento boxes for food.

A number of terms are used in Japanese to refer to lacquerware.  

Shikki (漆器) means "lacquer ware" in the most literal sense, while nurimono (塗物) means "coated things", and urushi-nuri (漆塗) means "lacquer coating."

The sap of the lacquer tree, today bearing the technical description of "urushiol-based lacquer," has traditionally been used in Japan. As the substance is poisonous to the touch until it dries, the creation of lacquerware has long been practiced only by skilled dedicated artisans.

Lacquer has been found to have been used in Japan as early as 7000 BC, during the Jōmon period. Evidence for this was discovered at the Kakinoshima "B" Excavation Site in Hokkaido's Minamikayabe Town (北海道の南茅部町の垣ノ島B遺跡).

Many traditional crafts and industrial arts produced throughout Japanese history were initially influenced by China, and afterward experienced various native stylistic influences and innovations over the centuries. The Edo period (1603–1868) saw an increase in the focused cultivation of lacquer trees and the development of the techniques used. In the 18th century colored lacquers came into wider use.