TOSA KODAI NURI / TOSA LACQUERWARE
About 150 years ago / 1870s / Meiji Period (1868–1912)
Tosa Kodai-nuri is a lacquer tradition from Kochi established in the Meiji period through study of aged lacquer surfaces. Makers built durable layers and controlled polishing to create a subdued texture resembling objects that had already acquired the depth of time.
In Japan, Tosa Kodai-nuri is appreciated for restrained surfaces rather than glittering maki-e. Trays, boxes and tea utensils are common, and the deliberately aged-looking finish works particularly well in contemporary interiors.
Where many lacquer traditions aim for a mirror-like gloss, Kodai-nuri intentionally preserves quieter, less uniform texture. The object can feel old the moment it is completed. In that sense, the craft does something unusual: it designs the visual sensation of time itself.