It is often said that Wajima-nuri is Japanese Urushi lacquerware. IF you want to find out why, watch this video now!
When people talk about Japanese art, they usually mentions Kyoto or Osaka as the beginning and the end. It is true that within Kyoto hidden many Japanese art, even Urushi Lacquerware as shown in a previous video. However, the best of the Urushi art is not in Kyoto. Designated as an important tangible cultural asset by the Japanese government, Wajima-nuri is often hailed as the best among the world of Urushi lacquerware. The main distinguishing feature of Wajima-nuri is its durable undercoating that is achieved by the application of multiple layers of urushi mixed with powdered diatomaceous earth (ji-no-ko) onto delicate zelkova wooden substrates.
Wajima is an area where the Urushi culture of Japan is particularly concentrated. Wajima-nuri characteristic traits have been identified in a bowl that was excavated from a site dating back to the Muromachi period (15th century), a building plaque with the name of a Nushiya (Urushi lacquerware producer) that dates back to 1476 which has survived in the Juzo Shrine in Wajima, and a vermilion door that dates back to the establishment of the shrine in 1524. These artifacts suggest that Wajima-nuri had already been established by the latter part of the medieval period.
The key to Wajima-nuri Urushi lacquerware quality lie in the process of making each piece. Each stage of the production process is carried out by specialist craftsmen in a division of labor at each production stage to accomplish elegant Urushi lacquerware with a beautiful luster.
- The first step is to select the wood to serve as the base for the Urushi lacquerware. The most appropriate kind of wood is chosen from a number of varieties.
- The next step is the process of kyushitsu (the application of layers of Urushi) cloth is used to reinforce the rims, and undercoats mixed with ji-no-ko are applied.
- The final step is to apply the Urushi. Wajima-nuri is especially famous for its vermilion red Urushi lacquerware.
Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of this video.
All copyrights go to the original owner, 能登の里山里海デジタルアーカイブ
28 май 2018
