Lacquer ware was one of several technologies imported to the Tohoku area by the 4th generation leader of the Tsugaru clan, Tsugaru Nobumasa (1656-1710) in his efforts to stimulate cultural and industrial development within the predominantly agrarian culture. Among those technicians was Gentaro Ikeda, who is credited with the foundation of the Tsugaru lacquer tradition in the early 17th century. Among the distinctive qualities for which Tsugaru lacquer is famous is its durability, the result of solid construction with linen reinforcements, varying preliminary applications of lacquer undercoat, and up to 40 or 50 coats of lacquer, each requiring drying and burnishing. In Japan Tsugaru lacquer is sometimes affectionately referred to as 'Baka Nuri,' or 'Idiot's Lacquer,' for it is said that only an idiot, or fool, would spend so much time on a single piece of lacquerware. Far from being derogatory, this folk expression is, in truth, a testament to the perseverance of the lacquer craftsmen in their efforts to produce domestic objects which approach indestructibility. Professional research centers in Hirosaki City have analyzed Tsugaru lacquer dating back several hundred years, to better understand the construction and critical layers of undercoating and the chemical composition and variable color sequences of older lacquer ware. Tsugaru lacquer ware was designated as a traditional craft by Japanese government in 1975.