NIPPON Kichi - 日本吉

2007/1/31

奈良漆器 Nara-shikki Nara Lacquer Ware

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Nara lacquer ware has a history of 1,300 years, an example of which is preserved at Shosoin (the Imperial Repository). This very attractive handicraft is characterized by the technique of Raden (mother-of-pearl inlaying), in which green snails, abalones, or butterfly shells are cut into pieces to create patterns, pasted to the cypress wood board, and inlayed with lacquer. The lacquered surface is polished in the final step of the process to give it gloss. This lacquering technique flourished as part of the Tempyo Culture, which developed with the introduction of Buddhism in the Nara period (710-794). It is supposed that not only finished products were imported to Japan but also lacquerers came from China and taught lacquering techniques to Japanese craftsmen. Nara lacquering has continued to the present time going through various changes from applying lacquer to temple and shrine buildings in the Middle Age, tea utensils in Azuchi-Momoyama period, when tea ceremony was established, and then to applying lacquer to armors in the Edo period. Presently, suzuribako (box for writing equipment), jewelry boxes, and fubako (letter box) with beautiful Raden work are all popular among nationwide enthusiasts.

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