The Aizu-nuri Style The renowned Aizu-nuri technique of Urushi lacquer art was born in the Aizu region of the western part of Fukushima Prefec – ture and has been popular since the Edo Period. The humid local climate, typical of basin-shaped valleys, is ideal for handling Urushi. A wide variety of beautiful decorations are used, including tra ditional symbols of good fortune. The fine, shallow engravings of decorations give the designs an elegantly gentle expression. The Aizu-nuri industry dates back to 1590 (Tensho Period), encouraged by Ujisato Gamo, the feudal lord of Aizu. Everything from growing Japanese lacquer trees for Urushi sap, to decorating lacquerware to the finish all within the Aizu region, created a holistic industry that continually pursued te chnological innovation. Being close to Edo, Aizu-nuri lacquerware began to be exported overseas towards the end of the Edo period .