Help on Yosegi boxes preservation

[zanilu]

Dear All

 

Several yoseghi poxes have come in my possession over the years. Some of them are quite old with the a "Occupied Japan" stamp inside them.

 

I have noticed that the outer wood decorative skin is starting to getting a dried look, I fear that sooner or later it will start to peal off.

 

I was wondering whether there is something I can use to nourish the wood and prevent deterioration.

 

Than you in advance for any suggestion you can give me.

 

All the best

Luca

[John C]

Luca:

I'll offer my two cents as a hobbyist woodworker.

Depends on the original finish. Can you tell if the original finish is oil, shellac, or lacquer?  (Note: A very small amount of rubbing [isopropyl] alcohol on a cotton swab dabbed in an inconspicuos place can give you an answer. If it gets sticky or tacky, it is shellac. If nothing happens, it is either oil or lacquer. Dull and still a little rough would be oil, smooth and shiny would be lacquer.

If the original finish is oil, it can be replenished with a very light coat of tung oil (but be careful as this could also darken the wood). Shellac and lacquer can be resprayed. But in any case, a light coat of paste wax rubbed into the finish will protect the surface and not do any permenant damage regardless of the finish. It can always be rubbed off with a cloth if necessary.

But I would first try to determine the original finish before doing anything else.

 

John C.

[zanilu]

12 minutes ago, John C said:

t I would first try to determine the original finish before doing anything else.

Thank you John.

I will try to do that!

 

Regards

Luca

[John C]

1 hour ago, zanilu said:

I will try to do that!

Luca:

One other thing to add. Given the era in which this was made, I suspect some sort of spray shellac or lacquer was used. I can see a shine in the picture. If that is the case, then it is an easy fix. BUT if any of the veneer is peeling, you will need to address that first. I would also expect a more modern glue was used, in which case an oil or wax finish would be fine. If, however, a traditional rice glue were used, the oil or heavy wax could possibly dissolve the rice glue and make it worse. I would have someone knowledgeable in woodworking where you live take a look at it to determine what kind of glue was used.

 

John C.

[zanilu]

Thank you for the heads up John. 

 

I will try to find someone the is qualified and pass your information to him! 

 

Regards 

Luca