A Hakoya bento box is designed with the utmost care and attention. The basic shape of Hakoya boxes is made from molded plastic. Once molded, expert artisans apply the designs and colors one-by-one, by hand. The base colors, patterns and designs are applied by a nushi (lacquer artist). In some cases, maki-e (lacquer decoration) artists create detailed designs with lacquer, paint, and powdered metals such as gold. Products are carefully inspected and packaged before they are sold.
