Uruapan has been a centre of lacquerware production since pre-Hispanic times, and the tradition remains alive and commercially active. The Purépecha technique — called maque — involves layering mineral pigments and chia oil onto wooden or gourd bases, building up colour and pattern through a painstaking process that serious pieces can take months. The results range from trays and plates to elaborate decorative panels, typically featuring stylised birds, flowers, and geometric patterns in deep reds, blacks, and golds.
The best place to see and buy is around the main plaza and the Mercado de Artesanías, where craftspeople sell directly. Distinguish genuine maque from painted imitations by looking for slightly uneven surfaces and a depth of colour that mass-produced items can't replicate. The Casa de las Artesanías de Michoacán on the plaza is a reliable source of quality pieces with fair prices.