URUSHI – Refined Natural Lacquer
Urushi is the natural resin collected from the lacquer tree, a plant native only to Asia.
Refined into a coating and adhesive material, urushi has been used in Japan since the ancient Jomon period, 10,000 years ago.
Much like the process of an oyster creating a pearl, when the lacquer tree is cut or damaged, it secretes resin to heal and protect itself. The lacquer trees must be carefully raised and nurtured for 10 to 15 years to mature, and even then only about 200 grams of resin can be collected. It is thus a natural resource of great scarcity and value. From these trees the lacquer tapper slowly collects the resin over a period of about 5 months.
The coating film of Urushi exudes a warm sense of intimacy when in contact with the skin that can almost be likened to the touch of an infant’s skin. With antibacterial and disinfectant properties, it is also provides an exceptional sense of security. urushi is a totally natural lacquer, and with use develops a distinct, deeply refined luster and texture which cannot be reproduced with chemically developed coating materials. This naturally fosters strong feelings of attachment and deference. Furthermore, damage and wear can be repaired by reapplying the urushi coating. In this way lacquerware can be passed down for generations. Learning to use things with care, developing feelings of gratitude and appreciation to previous generations for what they have bequeathed us. Although urushi is most generally associated with very expensive, high-class articles, its enduring and repairable qualities make it extremely suitable for everyday goods.
漆とはアジアでのみ生息する、ウルシの木から採取される自然の樹脂。
古くは縄文時代（約10000年前）から塗料や接着剤として使われてきた。
漆はウルシの木に傷がつくと、木が自分を守るために出す樹液。
10年から15年かけて育てた木から 200ｇほどしかとれない貴重な自然の恵み。
手塩にかけて育てた木から、漆掻きとよばれる職人が５ヵ月ほどかけて少しずつ採取します。
漆の塗膜は、しっとりと人の肌に馴染み、まるで赤ちゃんの肌の様と例えられる程、心地よく、温もりがある。
天然の抗菌·殺菌作用もあり、安心·安全の観点からも優れている。
使い続けることで生まれる独特の艶や質感は、化学塗料には出せない天然ならではのもの。
自然と愛着が沸き、大切に使う。劣化しても塗り直して世代を超えて使える。
劣化しても塗り直して世代を超えて使える。物を大切にする心を養い、ご先祖様を敬うことにもつながる。
高級品としてのイメージが強いが、永く、繰り返し使え、実は日常使いに適した身近なものなのです。
