Urushi, Tetsu Repair
The metal parts were lacquered in a special effect called
tetsu-sabiji-nuri, this resembles a brown russet iron. I had to mix a lot of
bengara urushi for the commission, this I do my hand using a special pigment. Mixing takes around 6hrs as the pigment has to be broken down, otherwise the larger particles will sink to the bottom of the mixture resulting is a difference in tone when applied, some plates would dry darker than others.
Once the new surface was applied I had to create a patina, I did this but using different layers of
urushi. As the layers are slightly transparent I could create darker areas and blend them in. At the final stage I dusted the tacky
urushi to create a matt finish which resembles antique lacquer.