Ryukyu Shikki

Clear vermilion

Where most Japanese lacquer is black, Ryukyu Shikki is known for a clear, vivid vermilion. Most pieces are finished in hana-nuri, red or black lacquer brushed on and left unpolished, and decorated with tsuikin, chinkin, hakue gold leaf painting or raden shell. It is made in Naha and nearby towns in Okinawa as trays, bowls, plates, stacked boxes and natsume tea caddies.

Tsuikin and pig's blood

Bases are made from local woods such as deigo, the light, strong coral tree. The traditional base coat, tonketsu shitaji, uses pig's blood. Tsuikin is unique to Ryukyu: pigment is kneaded with lacquer into a paste like mochi, rolled thin, cut into flowers or pine shapes, pressed onto the piece, then engraved with fine lines or coloured. The warm, humid climate suits lacquer work.

The royal workshop at Shuri

Ryukyu Shikki is thought to have developed with the tribute trade to China that began in the 14th century. Early in the 17th century the Shuri royal government set up the Kaizuri Bugyosho, a lacquer workshop that made pieces of high technical and artistic quality, with raden shell work at its centre. Fine pieces went as gifts to the shogun and as tribute to China, while Wakasa-machi in Naha was the town's private lacquer district.