In the early Meiji period, Matsue lacquer artist Sakata Heiichi invented this lacquerware inspired by Chinese lacquerware, naming it Yakumo-nuri after the ancient Izumo poem "Yakumo Tatsu." After patterns are painted on the base using various shades of colored lacquer and powdered blue shell, gold, and silver, a smooth layer of natural transparent lacquer is applied on top and polished using traditional techniques. Over time, this transparent lacquer becomes even more transparent, allowing the painted patterns to emerge in vivid colors. This is the greatest feature of Yakumo-nuri, which is not found in other production areas.