What is Urushi?

Urushi is much more than applying layers of resin sap obtained from the Urushi tree (Toxicodendron Vernicifluum). It is much, much more. In fact, the reverence with which Urushi was traditionally held can be gauged from the fact that it found wide applications, not only in household items, musical implements, architectural and artistic structures but also in ritualistic and military paraphernalia. As a matter of fact, it will not be out of place to mention here that that the gradual decay and degeneration of the Shogunate was once sought to be stemmed by the restoration of the Urushi chest of the divine armour leading to the hoped-for revival of the Samurai Spirit!

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Urushi

Urushi is timeless beauty stemming from delicate strength, its innate contradictions and artistic sensibilities are an epitome of the Japanese psyche, having been perfected over seven thousand years. It will not be out of place to mention here that the properties of Urushi differ subtly from season to season and Japanese craftsmen, in their quest for artistic for excellence, are known to use only the most suitable Urushi for each process or expressive technique – such is the painstaking attention to detail that the art demands.

Urushi had taken Europe by storm when Portuguese and Spanish missionaries first showcased them in the late sixteenth century. Despite the unending depth of darkness, the pieces exhibited a sense of translucence in places, which was, as if by some divine ordain. Europe had never seen anything like that before and these seemingly contradictory elements fascinated the people – a fascination that continues till date.

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