Japanese Lacquering

[q9]

Ok, time for an update...getting near the end for these pieces. I realise this has been a bit light on photos, so here's a couple to tide you over:

First one is kinda everything as I started the day, the other is the chopsticks finished off with some silver powder - putting it on is a bit like when you see the forensics dusting for prints. First up, you mask off the area you want to silver, then use a bit of foam sponge a very thin coat of lacquer by dabbing it. Then do all your other work, as it should be 80-90% dry before applying the silver.

Silver this time to practice, maybe next time I'll use gold. Fairly steep difference in price - Silver is Y650/gram, Gold is Y9000/gram. Not sure the final stage for the chopsticks, but probably a coat of clear.

[q9]

Err...didn't realise I'd gone a year without an update...

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All black finish, with silver powdered pictures. My technique is getting better, and I must be doing something right with my brushing cause Sensei is always commenting on it. It's probably not so exciting in terms of techniques or anything, about the only notable thing to mention is the serving tray had to be treated lightly to retain the texture and not end up over filling the grain. You can do some cool things with multiple layers of alternating colours and sanding through, but I wanted a matching set...and can honestly say this is pretty close to what I had in mind for the final product. In fact it was inspired when I was walking out from work one evening, and saw the moon in amongst some clouds. I took a photo of it, and thought "I'm going to make that my next urushi project". That may be the most Japanese thing I've ever done... Anyhow, went home and drew it up in my sketch book, and 8-10 months later...

[woodPixel]

An outstanding process and completely fascinating.

This is a video showing the entire process and some background A tradition of Japan - Wajima-nuri - YouTube

The speech overlay is hideously offensive and typically ra-ra American, but it's well made.

[q9]

Yeah, Wajima is kinda famous, and at the high end of it.

Mind you, there is no part of this that is "cheap". If I was back in Aus, with my lathe and tools, I could maybe make my own bowls etc. But each of those rice bowls is like Y2000, and I think I paid Y4500 for the tray. And then I paid for the lessons, materials, etc. My guesstimate is I've spent about $500+ on that set. Mind you a large portion of that goes to the NHK Culture Centre for some reason, it would be much cheaper if I had all the gear here to do it. There is a supply shop in Kyoto I need to go and visit, which I will do sometime...soon? If anyone is interested let me know...it may be possible for me to start sending some of this stuff back.

[q9]

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This is showing how raw urushi is applied to the silvered section. Basically wiped on with a bit of rag, then the excess is wiped off. As it appears I can finally post pics from my phone, I will see about adding some more.

[q9]

Raw urushi in a bowl:
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Showing it applied to silvered section:

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Before all that, applying masked you patterns:
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Then silvered:
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