About Chōshitsu
800年ほど前に中国から伝わった技法で、素地に色漆を何十回も塗り重ねて厚い漆の層をつくり、そこに彫刻刀で彫り込んで模様を表現する技法をいいます。
| Chōshitsu (carved lacquer) |
Chōshitsu is a technique in which a thick urushi layer is created by repeatedly applying colored urushi to the base material. The technique involves carving patterns into this layer with a carving knife. It is a technique that was introduced from China about 800 years ago. The work of chōshitsu starts by applying colors while considering the final result. It takes about one hundred layers of black urushi to achieve a thickness of 3 millimeters. Works that are created by layering red urushi are called tsuishu, and those created by layering black urushi and carving are called tsuikoku.
〈Colored Urushi〉
Mixing pigments into transparent urushi creates colored urushi. Traditionally, colored urushi made with natural pigments is available in five colors: red, yellow, green, black, and bengara. Adding iron can chemically transform urushi into black. Nowadays, chemically created synthetic pigments allow for colors like white and purple as well.
| Making Process of Chōshitsu |
1. Layer multiple colors of urushi to create an urushi layer
2. Carve patterns while considering how the layered colors will be visible
3. Polish with fine whetstones to smooth the surface
4. Polish specific parts for finishing
＜Source: "What is Traditional Kōgei?" Edited by Japan Kōgei Association East Japan Branch / Published by Unsodo, P.36>
