Aizu Lacquerware & Akabeko

【Light that colors life, red that wards off evil】 The craftsmanship of "Aizu lacquerware and Akabeko" weaves bonds of handwork

As you walk through the streets of Aizu, you will encounter lacquerware that radiates a moist luster and the "Akabeko" that shakes its head to welcome travelers. These are not mere souvenirs; they embody the unwavering "sincerity" of the Aizu domain that has continued since the Warring States period, and the "prayers" for the well-being and happiness of loved ones, representing the very soul of Aizu.

■ The beauty of splendor and sturdiness: "Aizu lacquerware"

Aizu lacquerware, boasting a history of over four hundred years, is characterized by the splendor of "Maki-e," which sprinkles gold and silver powder onto the luster of lacquer.

• Perfecting the beauty of utility: The lacquerware polished through the craftsmen's division of labor becomes more familiar to the hand and increases its luster with use. From traditional bowls to modern accessories, it brings a touch of "elegance" into daily life and fills the dining table with warm light.

■ The unwavering guardian deity: "Akabeko"

The local toy "Akabeko," which symbolizes Aizu, carries the legend of the red cow that helped establish Enzoji Temple in Yanagitsu twelve hundred years ago.

• The prayer embodied in its head shaking: The vibrant red signifies "warding off evil," while the black spots on its body represent "warding off illness." Its adorable figure, shaking its head with a silly expression, embodies a parent's love wishing for their child's healthy growth, and it continues to accompany families in Aizu even today.

■ Etching travel memories into "form"

Experience Maki-e with lacquerware or painting Akabeko. The time spent running a brush with your own hands, finishing with your wishes, is a special moment connecting you to the history of Aizu and yourself.

The warmth of lacquer felt on your fingertips. The gentle gaze of the Akabeko shaking its head. Would you like to quietly welcome the "beauty and prayers" that the craftsmen of Aizu have preserved into a corner of your life?