Golden Treasures: Japanese Gold Lacquer Boxes - Erik Thomsen

NashijiSmall irregular flakes of gold, suspended at varying anglesin many layers of translucent brown lacquer. The resultingshimmering surface is often used for the insides and bottomsof boxes.RoiroBlack lacquer which has been polished to a mirror surface.TamenuriNatural lacquer with a translucent brown color.UrushiUrushi is the natural lacquer used in makie wares. It is derivedfrom the sap of the Urushi tree, which grows in EasternAsia. It needs high humidity to dry between coats. Oncehardened, it is highly resistant to chemical forces and heat.Objects:NatsumeA cylindrical tea caddy used in the tea ceremony.Hira-natsumeA lower and wider form of the natsume.Ō-natsumeA natsume with the prescribed proportion of equal heightand diameter.RyōshibakoA rectangular document box, also called a bunko.SuzuribakoA writing box which usually includes a suzuri, suiteki andbrushes.SuzuriAn ink stone on which an ink stick is rubbed, using drops ofwater as lubricant to produce ink, which collects in the smallbasin.SuitekiA waterdropper used to produce ink. It has two holes to letwater in one while air escapes from the other. By tapping onone hole, one can let out single drops of water while grindingan ink stick on an ink stone, eventually forming ink.TomobakoThe original fitted wood box which an artist commissionsfor his art work. In some cases the artist would commissiondouble nested wood boxes, so that an outer box couldprotect the inner inscribed one. A tomobako usually bearsthe inscription, signature and seals of the artist.45