Ryumon Nuri

Yesterday I tried my hand for the first time at "Ryumon Nuri", a traditional Japanese marbled lacquerware. Oikawa-san, lacquerware master craftsman, and the father of a family who invites me over for dinner from time to time, was kind enough to show me the basics of the Ryumon Nuri process. He has been making lacquerware for over 35 years in Naruko, a town reknowned for its craftmaking.



The wooden tub you see in the photos was used by Oikawa's father, and was built when he was in junior high school. After explaining the process to me in Japanese (more than half of which I couldn't understand), we began. First Oikawa-san dripped several drops of an oil on the surface of the water, which pushed away the particles/dust, and created a impermeable layer on which to spread the lacquer/paint.



Next Oikawa dripped two swirls of red and silver lacquer on the oily surface and gave me a small stick with which to mix them together, creating a marble pattern. He insisted, both with voice and hand, that I stir slowly, so as not to disperse the lacquer too much.



Then, he gave me a "chawan" (Japanese bowl), made of wood and already painted in a glossy black lacquer. Guiding my hand with his, we dipped the bowl through marble layer, shaking side to side slowly to create a ripply effect on the bowl. Upon pulling the bowl out, his wife and granddaugter, both looking on, exclaimed "Kirei!" (pretty), while the master took one glance and said "Ma-ma da ne" (Its mediocre). Japanese folks often give undeserving compliments, so I was happy to hear the truth.



After several more tries (with rust-red bowls also) however, I improved a bit and made some bowls that, at least I was happy with. The bowls will need to dry over the course of several days, and will be painted again.



I copied the following information about the background of Naruko lacquerware, from this website (http://www.kougei.or.jp/english/crafts/0504/d0504-1.html)

Background
At the beginning of the 17th century, the lord of the fief in the area where Naruko is situated, dispatched lacquerers and maki-e crftsmen to Kyoto to develop their skills, in an attempt to raise the popularity of the local product. According to a late 18th century document various household items were being produced and by then the production of lacquer ware was the main employment for the people of Naruko.

For kijiro-nuri, a clear lacquer is used to expose the grain of the wood carcass, while in another technique the natural lacquer is rubbed into the wood a number of times, and the natural coloring of the lacquer is then retained. For ryumon-nuri a highly distinctive technique is used to produce a marbling effect. Besides these, a more traditional technique of polished lacquer is employed to bring out the characteristic limpid beauty of this refined sap. Today, a variety of household items are being made, including trays, coasters, stacking boxes and bowls, all gems of this time honored craft.