Lacquering technique with an undercoat of black lacquer covered by a coat of red lacquer or vice versa. Originally in use, red lacquer partially wore off, showing black lacker underneath, creating original and one of a kind look.
Nagoro-nuri originates from Negoro-ji, a temple in Kishu domain (now Wakayama Prefecture) that was extremely prosperous from the Kamakura to Nanbokucho period. During the siege of Negoro-ji in 1585 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536– 1598), the temple was set to flames and the artisans who escaped purportedly spread the lacquer technique of negoro to various parts of Japan. After long years of use, the red lacquer on the surface of negoro ware wore away to reveal a black layer underneath. These lacquered objects, which revealed their beauty over time, were highly prized by tea practitioners and art aficionados.
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