Urushi [漆], or the ancient Japanese lacquer technique, has adorned objects from tableware to furniture to buildings with timeless beauty for centuries. Did you know that Urushi, derived from the sap of the Urushi tree, boasts remarkable durability and can maintain its coating for over a thousand years? Let's unveil the stories embedded within each layer of this resilient material.
A Resilient Tradition embedded in every scale of Japanese life
Urushi, originating from the Urushi tree native to China, Korea, and Japan, undergoes a transformative process under high humidity conditions. Once hardened, it forms a robust coating impervious to acids and alkalis. This natural-friendly resin, cherished for over 1,300 years in Japan, is a testament to the enduring bond between humanity and the environment. Crafting with Urushi involves meticulous coating processes – base coating, middle coating, and main coating – each requiring multiple stages of painting and hardening. Artisans skillfully layer dozens of thin, durable shells, resulting in objects of practical use, whether as plates, containers, or ceremonial items.
To work with lacquer is to live.
In 2018 I interviewed lacquer artist Tomoya Murose at his studio in Mejiro, Tokyo. Having Murose Kazumi, an Important Cultural Property holder, as his father, Urushi has been a part of his daily life since he was a child. He told me that he is interested in thinking about the meaning of his existence and work in the present while Urushi has existed at various times. He hopes to spend the rest of his life questioning what it means to be alive through the medium of Urushi.
Interview by Nippon Colletion
Passing on generational wisdom and techniques to the next
Urushi embodies a legacy of artisanship passed down through generations, with techniques honed through apprenticeship. This method, often transmitted from one person to another, ensures the preservation of quality and expertise. The traditional repair technique known as "kintsugi" has attracted attentions in recent years. It is known for the technique as well as the aesthetics where broken pottery is repaired with Urushi and adorned with gold powder, reflects a cultural acceptance of imperfections. It is said that the tradition dates back to the flourishing of Urushi in the Muromachi period.
As we marvel at the enduring beauty of Urushi, let us not only admire its artisanship but also appreciate its significance in Japan's cultural history. Explore the timeless allure of Urushi with ZESSEE, your gateway to Japanese fine art procurement.
Author
Kaoru Kuribayashi
ZESSEE Co-Founder and Curator
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