Experimental Work - Metiers d'Art

In order to enlarge the diversity in the arts and crafts I continuously study and experiment with new and old technologies as well as all kind of arts & crafts.

URUSHI The Shining Beauty of Japan Lacquer made in Switzerland

The deep, shiny luster of black or dark red lacquerware, often gorgeously decorated with gold and silver or inlaid with mother-of-pearl, is a Japanese handicraft form that has long fascinated the world. No other application style can match the deep hues and smoothness of Japanese lacquer (urushi in Japanese). Lacquerware stands as one of the most distinctive forms of Japanese beauty.

History of Urushi
Urushi is the sap of the urushi or lacquer tree that is native to Japan, China, and Korea. The sap of this tree contains a resin that polymerizes and becomes a very hard, durable, plastic-like substance when it is exposed to moisture and air.

Characteristics of Urushi

Liquid urushi can be applied to just about any surface: wood, metal, cloth, ceramics, etc.. When it solidifies, it becomes a very hard coating that waterproofs and protects the coated object from the effects of mold, mildew and other forms of weathering. It also provides protection against caustic substances such as acids. Only direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause urushi to deteriorate. Urushi's hardness and durability make it an excellent protective coating for any object that will be used continually over a long period of time. It also has excellent adhesive properties. It is used as a special kind of glue for metal leaf, powders of various kinds, shells, etc.

''I think urushi is one of the finest and most representative craft forms. It is characterized by precision craftwork and expresses the fascination of elegance and beauty"

Martin Pauli