Gohara lacquerware is said to have begun more than 600 years ago during the Meitoku era (1390-1400). This lacquerware tradition uses chestnut wood from the Hiruzen region to make products that are finished with natural lacquer such as Bitchu lacquer. This preserves the grain of the wood, and the solid coating enhances the pieces’ practicality. The method of creating the wooden base by turning raw wood while it is still green on a potter's wheel is a unique method not seen in other lacquerware producing areas. Traditional Gohara lacquerware is made by creating a base using diatomaceous earth from Hiruzen that has accumulated over many years, then finishing it with a coat of vermilion or black lacquer to create pieces of great beauty..