Lacquerware

Lacquerware is an art that was brought to Japan from China. Lacquer has been used in paintings, prints, and even Buddha statues. It is made from the lacquer tree and was used in Japan as early as 7000 BC. The substance is actually poisonous to the touch, until it is dry. Therefore, it is usually handled by only the skilled, experienced artists. In Japan, lacquerware is known as "Shikki." Over the period of time, laquer became more popular and gained a larger range of use.

The process of making lacquerware is pretty simple. It starts off with a piece of wood, leather, or paper. Then, three coats of lacquer is applied to seal and protect the base of the object. Finally decoration is added on to the piece making it into a piece of artwork. In Japan, some popular decorative materials to use are seashells, mica, and gold powder. Usually black and red lacquer was common but towards the 17th century, clear lacquer gained more use. The clear lacquer allowed the base texture of the lacquerware to show through.

Many people in Japan get severe allergic reactions towards the lacquer substance. Lacquer is waterproof and a resistant to acid. It takes a very long time for lacquer ware to dry but hot environments speed up the process. Japanese lacquerware is mainly known for its gold leaf luminesce. The greatest lacquerware pieces were made by Koami Nasashige. The more you use lacquerware, the more durable and shiny it gets.