Myths of lacquer: folklore: stories
Lacquer has mythological elements associated with it in many cultures and traditions. Below are some examples of myths surrounding lacquer.
1. Chinese legend
- There are many legends surrounding lacquer in China. One of the most famous is that Shennong discovered lacquer after coming into contact with a lacquer tree. Shennong is the legendary Chinese god of agriculture, and it is said that lacquer began to be used in medicine and crafts.
2. Japanese mythology
- The myth of Izanagi and Izanami : This is one of the creation myths in Japanese mythology. When Izanagi and Izanami created the heavens and the earth, Izanagi is said to have used lacquer to shape the heavens and the earth. The name of the first island created in the country is said to be "Izanami-hime Island" (Izanami-no-mi-shima) Onokoro Island: Awaji Island.
- Yamata no Orochi : Yamata no Orochi is a giant serpent that appears in Japanese mythology. According to the myth, gods made shields and umbrellas out of lacquer to ward off the poison that flows from the serpent's body.
- The myth of jet black clothing : In some parts of Japan, there is a belief that wearing jet black clothing will ward off evil spirits. This belief is thought to be linked to the special properties and powers of lacquer.
- Legend of the Heavenly Rock Cave : Lacquered Kagura implements used in the dance
3. Linkage with traditional processing techniques
- In the manufacture of lacquerware, traditional processing techniques are sometimes linked to mythology. Lacquerware artisans regard lacquer as sacred, and sometimes perform rituals and offer prayers using Kagura tools when harvesting or processing it. These ceremonies are thought to be prayers for the continuation of traditions and the improvement of the quality of lacquer.
These myths and legends reflect the special regard that lacquer has had for people since ancient times, and the respect and reverence that people had for the material and its manufacturing process, but these stories vary by culture and region, and contain elements of myth and folklore, so they should not be accepted as strict historical fact.
The impact and importance of lacquer in Japanese culture can be understood in more detail not from folklore or mythology, but from history and cultural studies. The use and techniques of lacquer, as well as the methods of making lacquerware, have been passed down since ancient times, and each has its own unique techniques and traditions.
Secrets of lacquer painting : The secrets of the Urushi tree
How to choose lacquerware , Comparison of lacquerware , Characteristics and maintenance of lacquerware , General information on lacquerware
