Lacquerware produced in and around Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is characterized by its elegance and splendor. Kanazawa lacquerware developed as a traditional craft favored by the feudal lord under the protection of the Kaga Domain, a feudal domain with a fief of up to one million koku. It is said that the development of the advanced technique of "makie" (lacquer painting) in Kanazawa occurred because lacquer was widely used in adorning military equipment during the feudal era. Both durability and splendor were important for a samurai's important accessories. Kanazawa lacquerware-making is divided into four categories: makie craftsmen, sheath craftsmen, utsubo craftsmen, and lacquer craftsmen. After the era of peace came, lacquer techniques continued to develop, and decorations symbolizing the samurai were applied to everything from military equipment to practical items.