Glossary of Lacquer Techniques

Japanese lacquer, urushi, is the sap of the lacquer tree, applied in many thin layers and polished between coats. Its techniques were refined over more than a thousand years, and the vocabulary for them is precise. This glossary explains the terms you will meet on boxes, trays, inrō and tea caddies.

Materials

  • Urushi. The lacquer itself, which cures to a hard, waterproof film in humid conditions.
  • Kijiji. The core beneath the lacquer, usually wood but also paper, leather or cloth.
  • Kanshitsu. Dry lacquer, with layers of lacquer soaked cloth built up over a core.
  • Ikkanbari. Lacquered paper built up over a mould.

Maki-e

Maki-e, sprinkled picture, is the decoration of lacquer with gold or silver powder sprinkled onto wet lacquer.

  • Hiramaki-e. Flat maki-e, with the design level with the surface.
  • Takamaki-e. Raised maki-e, with the design built up in relief.
  • Togidashi maki-e. Polished out maki-e, with the design covered in lacquer and then polished back until it appears flush.

Grounds and inlays

  • Nashiji. A ground of gold flakes suspended in lacquer, named after the speckled skin of the Japanese pear.
  • Kinji. A solid gold ground.
  • Kirikane. Small squares of cut gold foil set into the design.
  • Raden. Inlay of mother of pearl and abalone shell.
  • Chinkin. Gold pressed into lines incised into the lacquer, a speciality of Wajima.

Carved and regional lacquers

  • Kamakura-bori. Carved wood coated in lacquer, imitating Chinese carved lacquer.
  • Negoro. Red lacquer over black that wears through with use, much admired.
  • Wajima-nuri. Durable lacquer from the Noto peninsula.
  • Tsugaru-nuri. Mottled, many layered lacquer from Aomori.
  • Aizu-nuri. Lacquer from Fukushima, often decorated with gold.
  • Shunkei-nuri. Translucent lacquer that shows the grain of the wood.

Condition terms

  • Fine surface scratches and slight wear to high points are normal on old lacquer.
  • Lifting, chips and cracks in the lacquer film should be noted, especially at edges and corners.
  • Gold restoration of old damage, kintsugi, is a respected traditional repair.

Related references

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