As we learn more about Urushi lacquerware, have you ever wondered how they achieve the uniform look? If then, wonder no more, just watch this video!
In previous videos, we have introduced to you Echizen and Tsugaru-nuri Urushi lacquerware. However, when we talk about Urushi lacquerware, it is imperative to talk about Wajima-nuri. One of most distinctive of Wajima-nuri Urushi lacquerware is the famous for the vermillion and black blurred Urushi lacquerware, which is a traditionally very long-lasting color scheme. This technique of painting with vermillion red and black Urushi lacquer is called Akebono.
This video follow the process of an artisan from Wajima demonstrating achieve the famous blurred black vermillion Urushi. Using a lathe to spin the wooden base with cured base Urushi, the artisan use a brush to apply the vermillion Urushi and then black Urushi. Not the disturb the free flowing Urushi, the artisan lean in and let the flow of the Urushi guide his hand, only make small changes when necessary. This create a uniform top layer of the Urushi without any distinct brush strokes visible.
What is even more fascinating is how the artisan blend the vermillion and black color together to create a seamless look without a distinct separation between the 2 colors. Black and vermillion are very contrast colors but the brilliance in the Akebono technique is how they blend together seamlessly on the Wajima Urushi Lacquerware. Taking a new brush, the artisan blend the black Urushi into vermillion Urushi. By making waves with the brush, the artisan was able to create a gradient of color with the black Urushi transiting seamlessly into the vermillion Urushi.
Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of this video.
All copyrights go to the original owner, 真（あけぼの）シリーズ