The art of Japanese lacquer

There are three main lacquer techniques used in Japanese lacquer known as hiramakie, takamakie and togidashi. Each technique differs from the other in application and finish but using the same powders and wet coloured lacquers. Wet lacquers are applied using brushes and then powers are applied with a tsutsu (bamboo sprinkler) in all cases but the order and finishes will be different depending on the technique used.

Hiramakie

Hiramakie is the application of one layer of sprinkled colour on an underlying ground often in a contrasting colour to accentuate the design. Mostly used for simple designs of outlined figures. It has no bulk and unworked with moulding or modelling. The finish is most closely related to that of a painting in its application.

Takamakie

Takamakie is better understood as sculpture finished with painting. The technique of takamakie involves moulding substrate such as ash or clay to build up body and bulk. Once the foundation is ready in high or low relief the application of lacquers takes place and then finished in coloured powders.

Togidashi

Often people confuse togidashi with hiramakie but the difference in finish between the two could not be further apart. Togidashi is completely flat with a thin shimmery finish. First, the design is applied in powders with no real difference to hiramakie, next comes an application of ground lacquer over the entire surface covering all of the design. After the piece has dried comes the laborious task of polishing the piece down revelling the design under the surface lacquer, giving a completely flush surface and the design highlighted.

A worked piece of lacquer will not just be subject to one technique. Often pieces are finished with two of the techniques used and in some cases all three. Other features such as inlays may be present having been developed over centuries of the craft taking place going in and out of fashion. The art of lacquer work has not only been highly prised in Asia but all over the world for its beautiful aesthetic and versatility.