This video demonstrates the application of nine different colored lacquer powders (likely maki-e or similar decorative pigments) onto a black lacquer base using transparent lacquer as a binder. It compares the visual effects of 50-mesh and 80-mesh particle sizes, noting that finer meshes are better for polishing while coarser meshes suit specific decorative techniques. The creator highlights that while colors appear distinct in bulk, their appearance on the lacquer surface is often subtler, with only a few showing significant differences.
A walkthrough written from 成盐漆作 Lacquer ChengYan’s video ↗.
The recording is the authoritative demonstration; this page is a working guide to it.
sample board— small board marked with 10 squares using paper tape
funzutsu— tube for sprinkling powder (implied by 'sprinkle' action)
Materials
kuro-urushi— black lacquer base
suki-urushi— transparent lacquer used as binder, diluted
colored lacquer powders— nine colors including Asagi, In-iro, Rokusō, etc., in 50-mesh and 80-mesh sizes
Conditions
notes — Dilution ratio of suki-urushi affects layer thickness; adjust based on desired effect.
The method
Section by section.
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. 1 of 5 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.
Prepare a small sample board by applying paper tape to delineate 10 small squares, establishing a grid for the systematic testing of various colors and mesh sizes. This board functions as a test surface, allowing for the evaluation of how the powders look on the lacquer surface in contrast to their naked-eye appearance.
When it is rightTen clearly defined squares ready for individual color application.
Not settled by this video The source does not show what going wrong looks like here.
Evenly sprinkle the different colored lacquer powders onto the lacquer surface within the marked squares. The creator used 50-mesh and 80-mesh sizes to demonstrate the effect of particle size. The higher mesh size (finer) is suitable for finishing with polishing, while the lower mesh size (coarser) is better for decorations like Ishi-e.
When it is rightEven distribution of powder within each square.
When it goes wrongUneven sprinkling may result in inconsistent color intensity.
Apply suki-urushi (transparent lacquer) to the black lacquer base. The creator used two layers of diluted suki-urushi, noting that the dilution ratio affects thickness. If the layer is thick, one layer may suffice; for safety, dilute and apply two to three layers. This binder holds the colored powder in place.
When it is rightA thin, even layer of transparent lacquer on the black base.
When it goes wrongToo thick a layer may alter the final appearance; adjust dilution accordingly.
After sprinkling, flatten the powder into the lacquer surface. The creator mentions proceeding to a polishing or curing step after flattening. This step ensures the powder is properly embedded in the lacquer, preparing it for final polishing if using finer mesh sizes.
When it is rightPowder is evenly embedded in the lacquer surface.
When it goes wrongIncomplete flattening may lead to powder loss during polishing.
After finishing, evaluate the color differences between the nine powders. The creator found that only four colors showed significant differences on the lacquer surface compared to their naked-eye appearance. Asagi, Shi-iro, In-iro, and Rokusō were noted for their distinct hues, while others were very close to Rokusō.
When it is rightClear visual distinction between the four highlighted colors.
When it goes wrongColors may appear less distinct on the lacquer surface than in bulk.
Terminology in this video
透漆suki-urushi
transparent lacquer
黒漆kuro-urushi
black lacquer
粉筒funzutsu
tube for sprinkling powder
Left open
What this video does not settle.
The exact dilution ratio of suki-urushi is not specified.
The specific curing time and conditions are not mentioned.
The precise method of flattening the powder is not detailed.