The essence of Kutani lies in its gloriously painted and overglazed decorations. Among them are the simple yet dynamic “Ko-Kutani style” (Old-Kutani style), the “Mokubei style” where human figures are painted in red, and the “Shoza style” famous for the motifs of flowers, birds, hills and waters painted in various colors and gold.

The characteristic of the Wajima Urushi Lacquer Ware is the durability owing to the careful craftsmen work, by repeatedly coating layers of lacquer containing “Jinoko” (local earth which is a type of diatomite). The Wajima Urushi Lacquer Ware is a beautiful and practical product, and its beauty is enhanced as it is used.

Kanazawa Urushi Lacquer Ware is appreciated as a piece of art rather than a mass-produced product. Main products include furnishings and tea utensils. It is famous for its durable Urushi lacquer coating as well as the high quality and delicate gold Urushi lacquer decorations which include the raised Urushi lacquer work and clouded/scraped gold Urushi lacquer.

The woodturning carving technique is the characteristic of the Yamanaka Urushi Lacquer Ware. The decorative woodturning technique where grooves are carved in the wooden surface is the forte of Urushi lacquer ware. This ware has an established reputation for its production of tea utensils where the gorgeously raised Urushi lacquer work is also applied.

The Suzu Pottery, an unglazed ceramic, was once disappeared completely, and the current Suzu Pottery was revived in 1976. Although the pottery is unglazed, the soil in Suzu region is rich in iron, therefore when it is fired at 1200℃, the ashes of the firewood melt and turn into a natural glaze, creating the charcoal gray color of the Suzu Pottery.

Ohi Ware has a deep relation with the tea ceremony. Although most of the items produced are tea utensils, tea bowls, pitchers, flower vases, tableware are being manufactured as well. Individual pieces are hand-made, and the simple yet warm touch of the reddish yellow glaze matches the scenery in the snowy regions.