Tsuba Suzuribako

[tony edmunds]

Hi Guys

Not strictly nihonto but here are a couple of pics of my latest acquisition.

Late Edo ( possibly earlier) Suzuribako in heavy ishime like brown lacquer with three tsuba in takamakie.

 

I'd be interested to know the Japanese term for this type of lacquer ground.

 

Regards

Tony

[Baka Gaijin]

Good morning Tony,

 

Ian B or Dave T will probably know the answer to this.

 

The lacquer surface looks as though there is something mixed in it to raise the edges, as if a crumpled material was pressed onto it during the curing.

 

It reminds me of the Tetsu Sabiji process used on armour to get the effect of rusty iron.

 

I believe powdered dry Tofu is mixed in the Urushi to give it body.

 

Cheers

[Guido]

I'd be interested to know the Japanese term for this type of lacquer ground.

If in doubt, you can't go wrong with Kawari-nuri 変わり塗り :D.

[tony edmunds]

Thanksfor the help Guys

 

The ground is definitely textured urushi (not carved ) but the finish really appeals to me, I've never seen a suzuribako with this particular and rather rustic effect.

 

As to the correct terminology I defer to Guido's expertise Kawari Nuri it is.

 

Regards

Tony

[Baka Gaijin]

Good Morning all,

 

Thank you Guido, using Kawari 変わり in the sense of "strange", as in Kawari Kabuto; or literally to take the place of?

 

Cheers

[Guido]

..., using Kawari 変わり in the sense of "strange", as in Kawari Kabuto?

Yes, same Kanji as used for some Kabuto - but it doesn't mean "strange", more something along the lines of "unusual", "experimental", "exotic", "free pattern": not run-of-the-mill techniques.

[Baka Gaijin]

Thank you Guido.

 

Cheers