Urushi Lacquer in Japan: Restoration of Cultural Properties and the Current State of Urushi Production
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Manage No DI00000824 Country Japan Author Yuji Yonehara, Director, Center for Innovation in Traditional Industries Kyoto Seika University Published Year 2021 Language English Copyright 
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| Description | At present, there are 23 nationally designated urushi lacquerware production sites4) in Japan. Most of these regions are known for making everyday household items such as dishware. Urushi production sites exist all across the country, and have developed region-specific techniques that are adapted to the local environment and lifestyles. These techniques have been passed down by artisans. On the other hand, urushi is also used in many traditional buildings. The urushi production sites involved in architectural applications are not limited to the abovementioned 23 areas. In recent years, there have been many instances of urushi reapplication during repair and restoration of buildings that are over 100 years old and nationally recognized as important cultural properties. This paper will summarize the current state of urushi application in repairing important cultural properties, and offer context to the issues raised in Japan’s domestic lacquer industry and supporting systems of production. | ||
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