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Why did black and red lacquer become common in Japanese household utensils during the Heian period?

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Qianlong imperial throne — lacquerwork Imperial Chinese throne of the Qianlong emperor (reigned 1735–96), red lacquer carved in dragons and floral scrolls, Qing dynasty; in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

During the Heian period, the use of black and red polished lacquer for domestic utensils became widespread as the industry expanded and organized. By 905, sumptuary edicts were issued to regulate the dimensions and quantities of materials used in these household items, which were primarily crafted from black or red polished lacquer.1

During this era, lacquer began to fill a role in Japanese society similar to that occupied by ceramic wares in China, becoming a staple for everyday use. While later periods, such as the Muromachi period, saw the development of specific styles like the subdued red and black Negoro ware favored by Buddhist establishments for its unaffected appearance, the prevalence of black and red utensils in the Heian period was fundamentally tied to the formalization of domestic production and the establishment of these colors as the standard for functional household goods.12