Lacquer objects

The abundance of lacquer objects is a specific feature of the Japanese everyday culture. In the hot and humid climate the juice of varnish-tree urusi (Rhus verniciflua) has long been used as a means of protecting objects from the destructive effects of moisture. Varnish can be combined with any material – wood, papier-mâché, leather, fabrics, and metal. Lacquer was used to cover household objects, weapons, armor, horse harness, carts, musical instruments, footwear, etc. Beginning from the Nara epoch (710 – 794) various colored varnishes began to be used, especially black, red and gold ones. At the same time refined techniques of lacquer painting (urusie) appeared, including pearl and gold inlay makie and carving of multi-layer lacquered surfaces kamakura-bori. Pearl inlay and the use of gold and silver powder attached special beauty and sophistication to lacquer objects. Luxurious lacquer objects, light and refined, decorated palaces of the court circle aristocrats and castles of Samurai dukes. In the Edo epoch (1600 – 1868) Japanese varnishes became very popular in everyday life. They were widely used in the ritual of sake drinking: according to Japanese traditions, a wedding feast began with the san-san kudo ceremony – triple exchange of sake cups each of which symbolized the unity of the couple in joy, sorrow and labor. Three sake cups (sansikumi-no sakadzuki) were placed on a special stand and served on a small table. Japanese varnishes (along with porcelain and spices) have traditionally been one of the most important export products to Europe where they were highly valued.

Stirrup made in maki-e technique. Japan. The Japanese. Early 20th cent.		Lacquer shop. Japan, Kamakura.N. Maykova. 2006		Craftsman, laquer articles painting. Japan. The Japanese, mid-to-late 19th c.