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Built around a core of ''[[deigo]]'' wood, Ryukyuan lacquerwares were traditionally exceptionally lightweight. In modern times, however, the wood of the ''gajumaru'' ([[banyan]] tree) has replaced the use of ''deigo''.<ref>Guided tour at Okinawa Rekishi Minzoku Shiryôkan, Nago, Okinawa, Sept 19, 2014.</ref>
Built around a core of ''[[deigo]]'' wood, Ryukyuan lacquerwares were traditionally exceptionally lightweight. In modern times, however, the wood of the ''gajumaru'' ([[banyan]] tree) has replaced the use of ''deigo''.<ref>Guided tour at Okinawa Rekishi Minzoku Shiryôkan, Nago, Okinawa, Sept 19, 2014.</ref>
As elsewhere in East Asia, Ryukyuan lacquerwares took many forms, but chiefly included a variety of types of trays, dishes, and boxes. Carrying cases called ''sagejû'' (提重), much like their Japanese cousins, carried a number of boxes, within which could be stored chopsticks, small dishes, and a variety of other objects required for a meal. Similarly, other forms of lacquerware cases were often carved precisely to the shape of the porcelain or ceramic dishes, or other objects, they were to contain.
Lacquerware objects, especially with mother-of-pearl inlay, were common [[tribute]] or gift items sent to both China and Japan; an entire office, the ''[[kaizuri bugyo|kaizuri bugyô]]'' ("Mother-of-Pearl Magistrate") was dedicated to overseeing the production of these and other objects.
Lacquerware objects, especially with mother-of-pearl inlay, were common [[tribute]] or gift items sent to both China and Japan; an entire office, the ''[[kaizuri bugyo|kaizuri bugyô]]'' ("Mother-of-Pearl Magistrate") was dedicated to overseeing the production of these and other objects.