Description
For works of dry lacquer (kanshitsu), first a clay form is created and plaster is used to take a mold of the form. Next, repeated layers of hemp cloth and lacquer are applied to the mold until they are built up to the desired thickness. Finally, the mold is removed and additional coats of lacquer are applied to finish the piece.
The hemp fibers are strengthened when the lacquer bonds with them, making dry lacquer an excellent technique for creating sturdy forms with a significant degree of freedom.
Process
- STEP 1
The base urushi lacquer coating is applied on the plaster mold.
- STEP 2
Hemp cloth is applied on the base with urushi lacquer mixed with paste.
- STEP 3
The plaster mold is removed.
- STEP 4
The final coating of urushi lacquer is applied and the piece is complete!