Sofia Martinez
Japanese lacquerware is a traditional craft that dates back to 7000 BC during the Jomon period. It involves coating objects with lacquer, made from the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree, to enhance their colour, sheen, and durability. Lacquer boxes have been widely produced in Japan since the Edo period (1603-1868), with some antique pieces highly valued today. To identify plastic Japanese lacquer boxes, one can consider the material, production technique, and decorative features. Plastic was incorporated into the production of Yamanaka lacquerware, a style known for its inexpensive designs and functionality. These boxes often feature unique woodworking designs, such as sensu-jibiki, which resembles a thousand ridges. Additionally, the use of plastic allows for thinner vessels, a technique known as usubiki. While plastic lacquerware may not possess the same tactile appeal as traditional wooden boxes, examining the craftsmanship, intricate techniques, and decorative features can help identify the material and production style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | Japanese lacquerware dates back to 7000 BC during the Jomon period. |
| Traditional Craft | Made from the toxic sap of the Japanese lacquer tree (urushi) native to China and India. |
| Objects | Pictures, Buddha statues, bento boxes, ceramics, furniture, prints, pitchers, tea sets, and more. |
| Techniques | Maki-e (decorative gold or silver powder sprinkled on lacquer), sensu-jibiki (woodworking design with a thousand ridges), shudame-nuri (lacquer over vermillion base), koma-nuri (rings painted in various colours resembling a spinning top). |
| Popularity | Became popular during the Meiji period due to quicker and cheaper production. |
| Artists | Ogata Kōrin, Shibata Zeshin, Gonroku Matsuda, Kazumi Murose. |
| Identification | Hold and experience the piece to appreciate its feel and beauty. |
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What You'll Learn
History of Japanese lacquerware
Japanese lacquerware is a tradition that dates back to 5000 BC during the Jomon period of Japanese prehistory. The process of making lacquerware was time-consuming and took several months. The lacquer is made from the toxic sap of the Japanese lacquer tree, which is native to China and India. Some of the earliest examples of Japanese lacquerware were found at the Kakinoshima “B” Excavation Site in Hokkaido, northern Japan, and date back about 7,000 years. During this time, lacquer was frequently used on ceramics and wooden items.
The craft of lacquerware became a staple part of Japanese life and evolved into an elaborately decorated art form thanks to the aristocracy, whose love for the craft elevated its status. During the Heian period (794–1185), various maki-e techniques—a decorative technique in which metal powder is sprinkled onto lacquer—were developed. The most notable of these was the togidashi maki-e, which was developed in the latter half of this period. In the Kamakura period (1185–1333), carved lacquer from the Song dynasty of China was imported to Japan.
During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), shishiai-togidashi maki-e, the most complicated of the typical maki-e techniques, was developed. Japanese lacquerware was abundantly exported to neighbouring East Asia, Southeast Asia, and even India. By the 16th century, lacquerware exports increased significantly, and by the 19th century, lacquer was referred to as 'Japan' by the British, much like how ceramic is still referred to as 'China'.
The Edo period (1603-1868) saw an increase in the cultivation of lacquer trees and the development of new techniques. Lacquerware received a lot of attention and became a complete art form. The most notable lacquerware from this period was the inro, small medicine containers hung from the obi worn around the waist. Various boxes of all shapes and sizes were also created during this period, some of which stored poems, papers, cosmetics, and more.
In the 18th century, coloured lacquers came into wider use, and the artistic quality of lacquered furniture improved. Today, Japanese lacquerware can be found in various shapes, colours, and sizes, and antique pieces remain highly valuable. Lacquerware's durability and water resistance have ensured its longevity.
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Lacquerware production process
Japanese lacquerware is a traditional craft that dates back to around 5000 BCE during the Jomon period. The lacquer is derived from the toxic sap of the Japanese lacquer tree, which is native to China and India. This sap is a natural form of plastic, offering resistance to water, acid, and heat.
The process of creating lacquerware is a complex and time-consuming one, requiring the skills of experienced artisans. First, an object is formed from wood, leather, paper, or basketry. Next, lacquer is applied in several coats to seal and protect the object. The number of coats can vary, with high-quality lacquer requiring thirty or more layers. Each layer is gently heated to remove excess moisture and impurities, and the object is placed in a warm, humid cabinet to dry. Once the desired number of coats has been applied, the object is decorated.
There are several techniques for decorating lacquerware. One common method is maki-e, which involves sprinkling gold or silver powder onto the lacquer. This technique has been used for thousands of years and was popularised during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Another technique is mitsuda-e, an ancient oil painting method using lead oxide. Aizu ware, which originated in the late 16th century, involves etching designs into the lacquer and filling them with gold or other materials. Jōhana ware is known for its use of maki-e and mitsuda-e, as well as whitish lacquer. Lacquer can also be built up in layers and then carved into three-dimensional designs, a technique known as diaoqi.
In recent times, the Japanese government has made efforts to preserve the art of lacquerware by recognising the work of master craftsmen and encouraging the development of new workshops. While mass production of lacquerware has increased demand, traditional techniques are still valued and practised, ensuring the preservation of this ancient craft.
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Lacquerware's durability and water resistance
Lacquerware is known for its durability and water resistance, which are inherent properties of the lacquer itself. The lacquer is made from the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree, which is toxic. The sap is treated, dyed, and dried, and applied in several coats to a wooden base. This process results in a very hard and smooth surface layer that is durable, water-resistant, and attractive in both feel and look. The lacquer finish can be of any sheen level, from ultra-matte to high gloss, and can be polished to the desired effect.
The durability of lacquerware is such that even if the lacquer grows thin or chips over time, it can be easily restored by applying more lacquer. In fact, during the Edo Period, there were lacquer craftsmen who would travel through towns repairing people's lacquerware.
The water resistance of lacquerware is also a key attribute, with some types of lacquerware, such as Wakasa lacquerware, being heat resistant as well. This makes lacquerware suitable for daily use items, and it has been used on a variety of objects throughout history, including boxes, pitchers, tea sets, furniture, clothing, and more.
The process of making lacquerware is time-consuming and traditionally practised by highly skilled artisans. The lacquer is slow-drying, setting by oxidation and polymerization, rather than evaporation alone. The warm and humid environment aids in the setting process, allowing the lacquer to absorb more oxygen from the evaporation of water. This results in a hard and durable finish that is resistant to damage by water, acid, alkali, or abrasion.
While the traditional techniques of making lacquerware have been maintained, modern innovations have also been incorporated. For example, modern Wajima-nuri is made with lacquer that is scratch-resistant and can withstand the use of spoons and forks or washing with dish soap and a sponge.
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Lacquerware's use on different objects
Japanese lacquerware is a traditional art form that dates back to 5000 BC during the Jomon period. It involves coating objects with the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree, which is native to China and India. This sap is toxic and has to be heated to remove excess moisture and impurities. Lacquerware can be found in various shapes, colours, and sizes.
The objects that are lacquered can be made of wood, metal, clay, or glass. In Japan, lacquerware was used on pictures, Buddha statues, bento boxes, ceramics, furniture, prints, and more. The Tamamushi Shrine, dating back to the mid-7th century, is one of the most exquisite examples of Japanese lacquerware. It is made of lacquered hinoki, or Japanese cypress, and camphor wood.
In India, lac bug secretions were used for lacquerware, skin cosmetics, ornaments, and dyes for textiles. In Burma, lacquer vessels, boxes, and trays have a coiled or woven bamboo-strip base often mixed with horsehair. In Korea, lacquer surfaces were decorated with metal foil inlay during the Unified Silla period.
In Europe, during the 17th century, a technique called "japanning" was developed to imitate Asian lacquerware. This technique used finishes with a resin base similar to shellac and was applied to furniture and other objects.
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Lacquerware's artistic expression and techniques
Japanese lacquerware is a traditional art form that dates back to 5000 BC during the Jomon period. It involves the use of lacquer, derived from the toxic sap of the Japanese lacquer tree, to coat various objects, enhancing their beauty, durability, and water resistance. The evolution of lacquerware into an elaborate craft can be attributed to the Japanese aristocracy's appreciation for its decorative qualities.
Artistic Expression and Techniques
The artistic expression and techniques employed in creating Japanese lacquerware have evolved over the centuries, with the Edo period (1603-1868) witnessing new techniques and increased cultivation of lacquer trees. Here are some notable artistic expressions and techniques used in Japanese lacquerware:
- Maki-e: This technique involves sprinkling decorative gold or silver powder onto the lacquer surface. The Horaisan Maki-e Robe Box from the 12th century, housed at the Tokyo National Museum, is an example of this technique.
- Mitsuda-e: Mitsuda-e is an ancient oil painting technique that utilises perilla oil and lead oxide. It is believed to have been used in creating the paintings on the Tamamushi Shrine, a renowned example of Japanese lacquerware from the mid-7th century.
- Yamanaka Lacquerware Techniques: Yamanaka lacquerware, which incorporates plastic along with traditional materials, has developed unique techniques such as sensu-jibiki, creating the appearance of a thousand ridges; shudame-nuri, layering lacquer over vermillion; and koma-nuri, painting colourful rings resembling a Japanese spinning top.
- Inro: Inro are traditional Japanese containers with multiple compartments, often decorated with intricate lacquer designs. They were worn hanging from obi ties and used to hold small items.
- Nashiji: This technique creates a reddish, speckled surface by sprinkling fine, flat metal flakes over a half-dry lacquer base, resulting in a "pear-skin" appearance.
- Polish-Reveal (Moxian): In this technique, thick lacquer is applied repeatedly in specific areas to build up a design. Then, the gaps are filled with a different-coloured lacquer, and the entire surface is polished to reveal the colour variations.
- Raden: An ancient decorative technique using iridescent seashell pieces, such as abalone or mother-of-pearl, intricately cut and applied to lacquer surfaces, creating captivating light and colour effects.
- Carved Lacquer (Diaoqi): A uniquely Chinese technique where layers of thinly applied lacquer are built up and then carved into three-dimensional designs.
- Pictorial or Surface Decoration: This technique involves painting or inlaying the lacquer surface with gold and silver foil, as seen in the early Japanese lacquerware of the Nara period, influenced by Tang China.
- Lacquer Thinning and Shaping: The wood used for lacquerware is carefully milled and bent into various shapes, such as bowls and multi-tiered boxes, requiring the expertise of experienced craftsmen.
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Frequently asked questions
Japanese lacquer boxes are made from the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree, which is toxic. The lacquer is applied to wood and left to dry for several months. Traditionally, this craft has been practised by skilled artisans, and the process is time-consuming. Plastic Japanese lacquer boxes, on the other hand, are made from inexpensive plastics and produced on a large scale.
Japanese lacquer boxes come in various shapes, colours, and sizes. The decorations on these boxes often draw on subjects from nature, classical literature, and scholarly pursuits. Some common techniques include maki-e, where metal powder is sprinkled on the lacquer, and koma-nuri, where numerous rings are painted in various colours to resemble a Japanese spinning top.
Japanese lacquer boxes were used for a variety of purposes, including storing poems, papers, cosmetics, and writing tools. Some boxes, called suziribako, were specifically used for writing and contained an ink slate, brushes, and a small water dropper.
Antique Japanese lacquer boxes are highly valuable and often dated back to the Edo period (1603-1868) or Meiji period. These boxes can be identified by their intricate decorations and complex techniques. They are usually small, ranging from 2¼ inches to 3½ inches in height.
