Urushi

[mr.alan.]

Hello fellas ,
Dies anyone know of any good books , or any courses you can go on to learn about the application of Urushi?
I’ve seen all the vids available on YouTube ( not that many) but in all honesty can not find any good books or videos or anywhere who can teach you about the art of application etc .

 

[mwinfrance]

I have to admit, I saw the title, and my immediate thought was
Gesundheit

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

It is my understanding Urishi lacquer is very toxic, I think there are only one or two people in the country that use it. It might be a good idea to contact the V&A, they may be able to put you in touch with a specialist or there is Alex Schouvaloff in London, he is a lacquer expert that does courses on Japanning. Lacquer and Japanning Masterclass in East London | The School of Stuff

 

[mr.alan.]

Thanks for the info - Yes it is toxic ( I believe like Ivy ) The above does not actually teach anything regarding Urushi - it is the modern equivalent - which I have done in the past. Just astounds me on how very little there is published about the application of urushi on the web. Not even one book I could find on it..( well probably quite a few in japanese. ) I will continue my search but - up to now very unsuccessful.

 

[noddy67]

Be very interested in anything you find out. Please post it. Many thanks

 

[niall Y]

Although it does not belong to the Japanese tradition of lacquering , a while ago I watched a You tube video, on the making of HSUN OK offering vessels in Myanmar. It was an incredibly lengthy process of applying the lacquer, with each coat taking up to a week to dry in a humid cellar. I believe it was about seven coats each to the inside and outside of the vessel with some of the multi coloured pieces taking up to seven months to complete.
There was a history of producing this lacquered ware in and around that part of Myanmar since the 11th century Also, the workers did not appear to have any qualms about applying it with their fingers ,so, health and safety considerations did not seem to apply.

Sorry that I cannot be of much help, but I too would be interested to hear if you are able to find out anything further.

 

[mr.alan.]

Although it does not belong to the Japanese tradition of lacquering , a while ago I watched a You tube video, on the making of HSUN OK offering vessels in Myanmar. It was an incredibly lengthy process of applying the lacquer, with each coat taking up to a week to dry in a humid cellar. I believe it was about seven coats each to the inside and outside of the vessel with some of the multi coloured pieces taking up to seven months to complete.
There was a history of producing this lacquered ware in and around that part of Myanmar since the 11th century Also, the workers did not appear to have any qualms about applying it with their fingers ,so, health and safety considerations did not seem to apply.

Sorry that I cannot be of much help, but I too would be interested to hear if you are able to find out anything further.

Sounds very similar to Urushi as with that you have to apply it and conditions have to be right for it to cure properly ( temp and humidity)

 

[thetyreman]

I'd guess the only way to truly learn this properly would be to learn from the masters in japan