Urushi - Lacquer

Urushi -lacquer- is a milky white sap from the lacquer tree. Each year only 200 gram of lacquer can be obtained from a tree.

The "kakiko", lacquer collectors, harvest the tree by making incisions with a special knife. Collection of the sap is during the summer months. After several treatments and additions a variety of lacquers are obtained.

The "nushi", lacquer artist, uses and applies the lacquer and after a chemical reaction in the "furo" a very strong product is produced.

Lacquer is applied to utensils, objects of art, furniture and in traditional buildings etc.