What is urushi lacquer?
Caution: Urushi lacquer is actually the sap of a tree that grows in East Asia. It is a natural substance that forms a clear, hard and waterproof surface when dried properly. Urushi contains a compound that can cause a reaction similar to poison ivy.
What is urushi lacquer made of?
What is Urushi Lacquer? The varnish used in Japanese lacquer is made from the sap of the urushi tree, also known as the lacquer tree or the Japanese varnish tree (Rhus vernacifera), which mainly grows in Japan and China, as well as Southeast Asia. Japanese lacquer, 漆 urushi, is made from the sap of the lacquer tree.
How strong is urushi?
Fully hardened Urushi lacquer is very stable and strong. It is able to withstand alkali, acid, and alcohol, and also being able to resist temperatures of over 300 C – 570 F. It is also resistant to molds and mildews.
How do you treat urushi?
Under natural pH conditions (acidic–near neutral) Urushi curing is achieved by polymerization of the phenolic compound urushiol, a main component of Urushi. Curing is initiated by urushiol oxidation catalyzed by a specific laccase (UL) contained in the Urushi.
How hard is Urushi lacquer?
Urushi has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, which is the same as that of glass or a stone. Lacquerware pieces have been found that date back 7000 years and the fact that they survived shows how durable urushi is.
Is lacquer tree poisonous?
The trees are cultivated and tapped for their toxic sap, which is used as a highly durable lacquer to make Chinese, Japanese, and Korean lacquerware….
| Toxicodendron vernicifluum | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus: | Toxicodendron |
| Species: | T. vernicifluum |
How long does Urushi last?
Safekeeping method, expiration for urushi When you use, you need to mix Urushi because the part of Urushi which dries up fast heaps on the bottom. In general, instructions say “viscosity of Urushi increases in the case of having being left for 6 months (raw Urushi) or 12 months (refined Urushi).
Is Japanese lacquerware safe?
Lacquerware made of Japanese wood and Joboji urushi is safe that you do not have to worry about its chemicals. Urushiol, an ingredient of lacquer, is highly antibacterial and it leads resistant Staphylococcus, o-157, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus to die in 6 hours.
How hard is urushi lacquer?
Is Japanese lacquer Food Safe?
No, there isn’t. Any food can be served on lacquerware. You should avoid using metal utensils with lacquerware because they will scratch the topcoat. Also, using ceramic products on lacquerware tabletops can be damaged or scratched the lacquerware’s surface.
What is the difference between lacquer and polyurethane?
Despite being available in variances, polyurethane is more durable. It is thick and leaves a strong coating. Lacquer is thin and penetrates the wood surface. It is also durable but susceptible to scratches and discoloration after some time.
Is varnish tree poisonous?
Other common names include Japanese lacquer tree, Japanese sumac, and varnish tree. The trees are cultivated and tapped for their toxic sap, which is used as a highly durable lacquer to make Chinese, Japanese, and Korean lacquerware.
How did the Urushi tree get its name?
The sap contains the allergenic compound urushiol, which gets its name from this species’ Japanese name urushi . Urushiol is the oil found in poison ivy that causes a rash. A caustic, toxic sap, called urushiol, is tapped from the trunk of the Chinese lacquer tree to produce lacquer.
How tall does an urushi tea tree grow?
The trees are cultivated and tapped for their toxic sap, which is used as a highly durable lacquer to make Chinese, Japanese, and Korean lacquerware. The trees grow up to 20 m tall with large leaves, each containing from 7 to 19 leaflets (most often 11-13).
What kind of poison is in urushi tea?
A key part of this was a tea made from the urushi tree, Toxicodendron vernicifluum. This tree contains deadly amounts of a concentrated poison called urushiol, also found in much smaller quantities in poison ivy. The tea would be taken in order to produce an extreme and violent reaction.
What kind of lacquer is used for Fuki urushi?
Pure Raw lacquer. To be mixed with the tonoko powder to make the base filler for broken objects. Known to be used for Fuki urushi technique. Light brownish color. Caution: Urushi lacquer is actually the sap of a tree that grows in East Asia. It is a natural substance that forms a clear, hard and waterproof surface when dried properly.