Description
A hard, insoluble coating prepared from the resinous exudation of the varnish tree (Rhus vernicifera) and the wax tree (Rhus succedanea) native to China and cultivated in Japan . Oriental lacquer, or urushi, contains urushiol, hydrourushiol, some polysaccharides (5-7%), laccase (1-2%), and water (20-25%). It thickens and solidifies by oxidative polymerization when exposed to humid air forming a hard, durable film that takes a high polish. Urushi lacquer has been used for at least 6000 years as a protective and decorative coating. It was applied to wooden furniture, musical instruments, weapons, jewelry, and household items. During the 18th century, Oriental lacquerware became very popular in Europe and its appearance was often imitated using non-urushi coatings. Today, urushi is still used for clear and pigmented coating on furniture, dishes, boxes, and decorative items.
Synonyms and Related Terms
urushi; Rhus vernicifera; Rhus succedanea; urushi (Jap.); yun (Burm.); lacado oriental (Esp.); lacca del Giappone (It); true lacquer
Types include: Oriental lacquer; Asian lacquer; Japanese lacquer; Chinese lacquer; Far East lacquer; Far Eastern lacquer; Ceylon lacquer
Other Properties
Resistant to solvents, acids and alkalis.
Deteriorated by ultraviolet light, heat and low relative humidities.
Deteriorated samples can be damaged by water.
Hazards and Safety
Contact may causes severe irritation. It contains urushiol, the chemical that causes poison ivy rash.
Additional Information
° Marianne Webb, Lacquer Technology and Conservation, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 2000.
° N.Umney, "Oriental Lacquer" Conservation News, Number 32, March 1987 and Number 33, July 1987.
° N.Bromelle, P.Smith (ed.) Urushi. Proceedings of the 1985 Urushi Study Group, Japan, Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, 1988.
|
Last updated on: 12/30/2009 8:23:25 AM
|
|
 |
|
