Fine Writing - Stylus Magazine
Fine Writing - Stylus Magazine
Fine Writing - Stylus Magazine
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94 OCTObER/NOvEMbER 2003 s t y lu s<br />
This wonderful<br />
Pheasant and<br />
Chrysanthemums<br />
design is typical<br />
of the natural<br />
themes found on<br />
vintage flat-tops.<br />
The artist was<br />
Shogo, one of<br />
the original<br />
members of the<br />
Kokkokai.<br />
sprinkled onto wet lacquer. After<br />
each step, the surface is allowed<br />
to dry in a damp atmosphere<br />
until it hardens. The surface is<br />
then polished with chunks of<br />
charcoal. At various stages, pieces<br />
of gold foil, shells or stones<br />
are added. This provides many<br />
wonderful three-dimensional<br />
effects.<br />
There are dozens of techniques<br />
and applications possible.<br />
The most common categories<br />
are togidashi and takamakie.<br />
In togidashi, various pigments<br />
and powders are mixed together<br />
into a smooth paste and painted<br />
onto a stenciled design. When<br />
this has dried, it is covered with<br />
black lacquer. Once dry, it is polished<br />
again with charcoal until<br />
the picture resurfaces.<br />
With takamakie, the artisan<br />
creates multi-dimensional (high<br />
relief) surfaces. Layers of varying<br />
depths are built up on the under
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