Japanese Raden Lacquerware
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Japanese Raden Lacquerware
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Japanese urushi lacquer has been applied for use in tableware, jewelry, interior decor, furnitures, musical instruments to name a few from ages past, in fact, the oldest lacquerware found in Japan dates back 9,000 years in Jomon Period (145–10 BC). Urushi's highly durable and glossy finish were favored from court nobles, high rank samurais and eventually to the public, and various decorative techniques were developed over a time.

One of the traditional craft which creates stunning effect to the lacquerware is called Raden, originated in Nara Period (710–794). The craft calls for a demanding craftsmen to cut the linings of shells, such as from mother-of-pearl, abalone and various other shells with iridescent qualities and delicately set into or pasted to the surface to create decorative designs of birds and flowers or geometric patterns. The process often takes repetitive application of lacquer, grinding, smoothing to bring out the glow and beauty of the shells and making it one of a kind Raden lacquerware.


Number of items: 10
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  with details    images only