Info about this saya lacquer and technique?

[Drago]

Hi there!

 

(First off, I really didn't know where to put this: here, Nihonto, Kodogu, Gunto... So if this is the wrong place, please move it.)

 

I have here a saya that is just like this one http://www.japanesesword.com/Images/Swo ... 6ktx1.html

 

I'd like to know what kind of lacquer this is and if anyone has more info on the production/application of this laquer.

 

What I can say is: It's not ishime. (Un)fortunately, my saya's lacquer is chipped in one place and the lacquer layer is almost a milimeter thick! And although the roughest areas are rubbed off slightly, I can tell that this is a pretty sturdy, hard lacquer.

 

So I'd appreciate any info you can provide.

 

Thanks.

[Klop]

Hi Tobias,

 

Not sure about this particular finish, but finely ground stone (like uchiko, or pumice powder) was mixed with laquer to create a hard base layer/filler. Ye olde 2 component resin :-)

If you get the viscosity right it should be possible to compensate the thickness (1 mm) and structure by patting the semi-hard stuff with a sponge or something to match the bumpy surface. Test the behaviour of different thicknesses on a scrap piece of cardboard first...

 

Namikawa sells uchiko by the kilo and also says this is for foundation layer.

 

http://www.namikawa-ltd.co.jp/cgi-bin/i ... te=14&no=9

 

Good luck,

Eric.