URUSHI LACQUERWARE - Handicrafts that represent Japan

Japanese lacquerware is made through a division of labor, with each specialized raftsman handling a different process, and it takes an enormous amount of time to complete. The unique method of production, which contrasts with the efficiency-driven approach of modern products, has been passed down through generations.

There are craftsmen who shape the wooden molds, those who polish and refine the shapes, artisans who apply layers of lacquer, others who carve intricate patterns into the lacquerware, and craftsmen who add designs and coloring.
The advanced techniques of these skilled artisans result in masterpieces of exceptional artistry.
The number of steps involved varies depending on the region and grade, but it can range from dozens to hundreds of processes.
Among Japan's traditional crafts, the level of pursuit and perfection in lacquerware stands out as exceptional.

However, in recent years, the number of artisans inheriting the traditional techniques has sharply declined. At the same time, cheap lacquerware coated with urethane paint on synthetic resin has flooded the market, causing authentic lacquerware to rapidly disappear from our everyday lives.
Traditionally, lacquerware is a very expensive item, with high-quality pieces often costing several hundred dollars.
Antique lacquerware, though of high quality, can still be acquired relatively affordably, and using well-maintained antique lacquerware in daily life is highly recommended.

Japanese lacquer (Urushi) is the sap extracted from the urushi tree.
This sap is filtered to remove impurities, then stirred to ensure its components are evenly distributed. Next, the lacquer is heated while being mixed, and moisture is evaporated to refine the lacquer.
The finished lacquer may be left to age for several years, resulting in a finer texture.
Japanese lacquer is renowned for its top-tier quality, and compared to foreign varieties, it dries and solidifies in a completely different way.

The process of harvesting lacquer begins around June. Horizontal cuts are made on the urushi tree, and these cuts are gradually extended every 4 to 5 days. The sap that oozes out from these cuts is collected. This process continues until around September.
A single tree yields about 200 grams of lacquer. Considering that it takes around 10 to 20 years for the urushi tree to mature, it is clear how precious this material is.

Lacquer has strong adhesive properties, as well as antibacterial and antifungal effects. The E. coli bacteria that may be present on lacquerware are almost completely eradicated within 24 hours.
The reason lacquerware can last a lifetime is because of the remarkable durability of lacquer itself.
Since lacquerware is made from 100% natural materials, it contains no chemicals or synthetic substances, making it very safe to use. 
However, lacquer has a weakness: it is sensitive to drying and ultraviolet (UV) rays. It should be kept out of direct sunlight.

PRODUCTION  PROCESS

1. Wood Base Creation is the first and essential step in the process of making lacquerware. In this stage, the wooden base or foundation of the lacquerware is crafted. For each type of wood base, the raw wood is roughly carved into shape, then dried for about two months to a year to remove excess moisture. This drying process helps prevent distortion and cracking after the piece is finished.

・Wood Selection

The wood used for lacquerware must be light, strong, and able to absorb lacquer effectively. Typical types of wood include cherry, oak, zelkova, and cypress.

・Wood Processing

The selected wood is carved and shaped into the desired form for the lacquerware. This step requires precise techniques for carving and smoothing the wood surface. The shaping process is repeated many times until the final form is achieved.

・Drying

Once the wood base is shaped, it is left to dry. Since wood naturally contains moisture, drying it helps prevent shrinking and ensures that the lacquer will adhere properly when applied.

・Finishing

After drying, the surface of the wood is further smoothed to create an even finish. This allows the lacquer to bond securely, resulting in a 

The choice of wood differs depending on whether the item is round (such as bowls) or square (such as boxes or trays). For round objects, woods like water-absorbing cherry, linden, and zelkova are turned on a lathe to form their shape. For square objects, woods like katsura and magnolia, as well as laminated wood for lacquerware, are cut, shaped, and assembled.

Using a lathe, the wood is carefully shaved with a plane to form round shapes such as bowls, plates, and saucers. The sound of the plane and the tactile feedback guide the craftsman as the wood is shaped, gradually thinning to a translucency where the wood fibers can be seen when light is shined on it. This is truly the result of a master craftsman's skill.

2. Lacquer Coating Process

The coating process is divided into two main stages: the base coating (Shitanurii) and the top coating (Uwanuri). The base coating is not visible on the surface of the finished product, but it is a crucial step that directly affects the quality of the lacquerware. This step involves repeatedly applying and polishing the lacquer to achieve the right texture and foundation. The top coating requires a high level of skill to apply an even layer of lacquer, and delicate drying techniques are essential to ensure the lacquer dries at the proper temperature and humidity. At every stage, once the base coating is applied, it is left to dry for a significant amount of time, allowing the layers to cure properly before moving on to the next step.

・Primer Coating

A layer of urushi (Japanese lacquer) is applied to the surface. 

・Drying and Polishing

After applying each coat, the lacquer is allowed to dry and harden. This may take several hours or days. Once dry, the surface is gently polished with a fine abrasive to smooth out any imperfections and create an even base for subsequent layers.

・Multiple Coats 

Several layers of urushi are applied, with each layer being polished in between to achieve a smooth, lustrous surface. This process can be repeated up to 20-30 times, depending on the desired finish and the object’s complexity.

・Polishing Tools

A variety of polishing techniques and tools are used, including abrasive powders (such as nara), sandpaper, and specialized polishing stones. The type of polish and the level of polishing can create different textures and finishes, such as matte, glossy, or satin.

Known as the "living lacquer," Urushi is sensitive to changes in weather and humidity, which affects how it solidifies. The lacquerer (Nuri-shi) adjusts the viscosity of the lacquer based on their experience, ensuring the right consistency before beginning the application process.

Once the lacquer has been applied, the piece is carefully dried in an environment with controlled temperature and humidity. The polisher then smooths the surface using water-based grinding techniques to remove impurities, polishing it with cloth to complete the intermediate layer.

The final stage of the coating process is the top coating (Uwanuri). In this step, the finest quality lacquer is filtered and applied with a brush.

To prevent dust and dirt from settling on the surface, the work is done in a room with restricted airflow. Even on hot summer days, air conditioning is strictly prohibited. The lacquerer must maintain intense focus, carefully applying the lacquer with precision.

After the final layer is applied, the piece is placed in a "Nushi-buro" (lacquerer’s storage bath), a cedar wood cabinet where the lacquer is allowed to dry at the appropriate thickness. An automated rotating device is used periodically to ensure the lacquer sets evenly and consistently.

Only after all of these meticulous processes is Wajima-nuri lacquerware fully completed.

3. Decorative Process

 

・Maki-e

This  is a technique where lacquer is applied with a special brush to create designs, and then gold or silver powder is sprinkled over the wet lacquer. This process involves repeated polishing and grinding to perfect the intricate patterns.

・Chinkin

In this method, designs are carved into the lacquer surface, and gold or silver powder is applied into the grooves. This technique is highly detailed and often used for more refined and elegant works.

・Raden

This involves inlaying mother-of-pearl or abalone shell into the lacquered surface to create intricate designs that reflect light beautifully.

4. Final Curing

After the decorative and finishing layers are completed, the lacquerware must be cured in a high-humidity environment. This step is critical to allow the lacquer to fully harden and attain its characteristic durability and glossy finish.

The curing process may take several weeks, and the temperature and humidity are carefully controlled. This process helps the lacquer achieve its signature resilience and finish.

5. Final Polishing and Inspection

Once the piece is fully dried and hardened, it undergoes final polishing. This is usually done with finer abrasives or soft cloths to enhance the sheen of the surface.