What is so prized about Japanese lacquerware?

Ceramics are known as "china" abroad, but "Japan" is the term signifying Japanese lacquerware.
In Japan, lacquered combs and trays were found among unearthed goods from the early Jomon period.
According to the Nikon shoki, there were artisans specializing in lacquerware at the end of the sixth century.
The lacquer used for lacquerware differs around the world according to the quality of tree sap, and Japanese lacquer is considered to be the highest in quality.