Aizu Lacquerware & Akabeko

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

Walking 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 health and happiness of loved ones, representing the very soul of Aizu.

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

Aizu lacquerware, boasting a history of over four hundred years, is characterized by the splendor of "Maki-e," where gold and silver powder are sprinkled on the glossy lacquer.

• Mastering the beauty of utility: The lacquerware polished by 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, filling the dining table with warm light.

■ The unwavering guardian deity: "Akabeko"

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

• The prayer embedded in its head shaking: The vivid red signifies "warding off evil," while the black spots on its body represent "protection from 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 be a comforting presence in Aizu households.

■ Etching travel memories into "form"

Experience Maki-e lacquerware or painting Akabeko. The time spent finishing with your own hands, pouring in your wishes, is a special moment connecting you with Aizu's history.

The warmth of lacquer felt on your fingertips. The gentle gaze of the Akabeko shaking its head. Why not quietly welcome the "beauty and prayers" that the craftsmen of Aizu have preserved into a corner of your life?