demonstration · Japanese
This video demonstrates the application of fine gold powder (marufun No. 2) to a lacquered surface using a kebo (hair stick) for maki-e decoration. It is useful for artisans learning the specific technique of sprinkling fine powders and managing powder adhesion on wet lacquer, as well as the subsequent drying and polishing schedule.
A walkthrough written from Asai Yasuhiro’s video ↗. The recording is the authoritative demonstration; this page is a working guide to it.
Watch the source ↗Raw urushi causes serious delayed skin reactions; the video shows handling of wet lacquer and powder, which warrants protective measures such as gloves to prevent skin contact and contamination of the work. Read Safety First before working with raw urushi.
Tools shown
Materials
Conditions
The method
Each heading links back to the moment in the source video where it begins.
One video is one workshop's account, not a complete method. 2 of 4 steps here are not fully settled by this source — it leaves out what a correct result looks like, or how the step fails. Those are marked in place below.
Wrap the marufun No. 2 powder around the kebo hair stick. The goal is to make the powder look 'fluffy' on the tool to facilitate even sprinkling. This method is reserved for fine powders up to No. 5; larger powders require a funzutsu tube.
When it is rightPowder is loosely held on the kebo, ready to be shaken or tapped off.
Not settled by this video The source does not show what going wrong looks like here.
Sprinkle the powder slowly over the wet e-urushi. Because the lacquer is wet, the fine powder tends to sink into it. The artisan must observe the surface continuously; if the powder sinks and the underlying red lacquer becomes visible, immediately sprinkle more powder onto that specific spot. Do not attempt to finish in one pass; take time to observe and re-apply as needed.
When it is rightThe surface appears covered in a dull, kinako-like (soybean flour) color, indicating full coverage without gaps.
When it goes wrongFaint red patches appear where powder has sunk; recover by re-sprinkling gold powder onto those spots.
After sprinkling, brush off the excess powder that is not adhered to the lacquer. This step is performed after the initial sprinkling to remove loose particles. The artisan notes that wearing a glove on the left hand is critical during this phase to prevent fingerprints, as gold powder sticks readily to skin oils and marks on the vessel.
When it is rightOnly the powder adhered to the wet lacquer remains; loose dust is removed.
When it goes wrongFingerprints remain on the vessel, causing gold powder to stick to them and creating unwanted marks.
Once the maki-e and okakaji (ground) are complete, the work must be left to dry for 3 days. After this drying period, the process proceeds to migaki (final polishing). The artisan notes that the unpolished gold looks unappealing and dull, but polishing will reveal the metallic luster.
When it is rightThe piece is stable and dry enough to withstand the abrasion of polishing.
Not settled by this video The source does not show what going wrong looks like here.
Terminology in this video
Left open