Section 4: The work of the lacquerer (nurishi)

Abstract: This section contains a comprehensive description of different styles of Japanese lacquering. Tools and equipment are discussed fully. The collection, refining and use of lacquer (urushi) are included, as are recipes for most of the materials used at the three different stages of the work (preparation, lacquering, finishing). This is followed by a thorough explanation of the techniques used in several different styles of lacquering. Since this is a chemical process there are some trouble areas, such as allergies to urushi that do not arise with such crafts as woodworking. The nurishi may also be responsible for cleaning and repair of the butsudan some 50 years after it was made. The artisan’s workload is described in order to explain both the wide-ranging skills involved and the shift of emphasis from making new butsudan to cleaning old ones in our modern world. The table of contents gives a detailed list of what is included in this section. Many diagrams and photos are included to augment the text.