Gobara-shikki is a lacquerware tradition from Maniwa in Okayama, southwest Japan. ‘Gobara’ is a place name within Maniwa, ‘shikki' is the Japanese word for lacquerware. With origins dating back more than 600 years, in 1865 there is record of approximately 400000 pieces made a year in the style. These volumes slowed, and dropped to zero in the mid twentieth century, until in 1989 a revival movement returned the practice to chestnut wood taken from the Hiruzen highlands in Maniwa. The wood is cut in a circular shape parallel to the rings of the timber, and these rings remain prominent after lacquer is applied. The wood is not dried before it is carved, and the finished forms can be rested for several months before they are painted with lacquer. The coating protects the hand from the temperature of the contents, making 'guinomi' sake cups such as these ideal for hot or cold drinks. Objects of beauty, they are also objects for use.

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