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2019 NO.25
Japan’s Decorative Art of Urushi
Various Shikki From Different Regions
Shikki spread initially from Kyoto to Edo and then nationwide. Here, we present examples of shikki crafted in various regions of Japan, each with its own distinctive characteristics in terms of appearance and technique.
① Iwate
Joboji-nuri
The town of Joboji-machi is also well known for producing urushi, so this application technique is characterized by its minimalistic decoration, which allows the inherent beauty of the urushi to stand out.
(Photograph: Urushi Industry Division , Ninohe City, Iwate Prefecture)
② Fukushima
Aizu-nuri
Famous for its depictions of Aizu-e (designs from the Aizu area) which feature plum, bamboo, and pine trees, or spinning wheels – regarded as symbols of good luck in Japan - and the hamaya, a ceremonial arrow used to drive away evil spirits. Aizu-nuri also uses a wealth of other techniques.
(Photograph: Fukunishi Sohbei Shoten)
③ Niigata
Niigata Shikki
Famous for its unique techniques such as take-nuri, in which rust is used to exquisitely reproduce the lines and knots found in bamboo.
(Photograph: Niigata Sikki CO., LTD)
④ Ishikawa
This region boasts three areas that produce shikki: Yamanaka - notable for its wood base ; Wajima - known for the application technique; and Kanazawa - famous for its Maki-e technique.
1Wajima-nuri
In making the base, urushi is used to glue pieces of cloth onto fragile parts and the urushi is mixed with Wajima ji-no-ko (powdered diatomaceous earth containing vitreous microfossils and minerals) to create a robust form of shikki.
(Photograph: Wajimanuri no Tsuda)
2Kanazawa Shikki
Characterized by a gorgeous, glittering beauty that is achieved using an advanced Maki-e technique. This is known as Kaga Maki-e because this area was formerly called “Kaga”.
(Photograph: Kanazawa Shikki Industrial Cooperative)
3Yamanaka Shikki
Distinguished by its beautiful base wood grain and use of a technique known as kashoku-biki (decorative woodturning) which gives a textured design to the surface of the wooden base.
(Photograph: Yamanaka Lacquerware Cooperative Association)
⑤ Fukui
Echizen shikki
Extremely durable shikki - great for practical use. The urushi is applied neatly and quickly, giving a characteristic elegance with a deep, unique luster.
(Photograph: Echizen Lacquerware Cooperative)
⑥ Gifu
Hida-Shunkei
Characterized by a simple, yet shiny, amber tone that brings out the beauty of the wood grain.
(Photograph: Tozawa Shikki)
⑦ Kyoto
Kyo Shikki
Handed down in its original form from the Heian period (around the 8th century), this shikki became popular with the spread of the tea ceremony and is known for its delicacy and the inner beauty. It is characterized by its refined and elegant design.
(Photograph: Kyoto Shikki Cooperative)
⑧ Wakayama
Kishu Shikki
Famous for a technique known as Negoro-nuri wherein a red urushi is applied over a base layer of black urushi and then the coated surface is gently ground (using charcoal or similar as an abrasive) so that small glimpses of the black base-coat can just be seen in places.
(Photograph: Kishu Lacquerware Cooperative)
⑨ Kagawa
Kagawa Shikki
Famous for its characteristic technique known as Zokoku-nuri in which the urushi is engraved with a small chisel to produce a lined pattern that creates unique shadows.
(Photograph: ICHIWADOU-KOUGEI CO., LTD)
⑩ Okinawa
Ryukyu Shikki
Notable for the technique known as nuri-tate which mainly uses glossy red or black urushi for a simple coated finish. This shikki also features patterns typical of the tropical regions.
(Photograph: Kakuman Shikki)
