Aizu Lacquerware & Akabeko

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

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 Sengoku period and the "prayers" for the health and happiness of loved ones, representing the very soul of Aizu.

■ The beauty of elegance and robustness: "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 on the luster of lacquer.

• Mastering the beauty of utility: The lacquerware polished through the division of labor by artisans becomes more familiar to the hand and increases its luster the more it is used. 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 imbued 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 that shakes its head with a silly expression embodies a parent's love wishing for their child's healthy growth, continuing to accompany Aizu families even today.

■ Etching travel memories into "form"

Experiences of Maki-e with lacquerware and painting Akabeko. The time spent running a brush with your own hands, finishing with your wishes, is a special moment connecting Aizu's history with 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 Aizu artisans have preserved into a corner of your life?