Lacquer and Urushi tree: Stories
Urushi (lacquer) is a resin whose main component is the sap of the urushi tree (scientific name: Toxicodendron vernicifluum). There are many untold stories surrounding the urushi tree in the history and legends of lacquer painting. Below are some examples of common untold stories related to urushi and the urushi tree.
1. Sacred Tree
- According to one legend, the urushi tree is considered sacred and its sap is considered holy. In some regions, it is believed that the urushi tree is protected by the gods and is therefore sacred in special ceremonies and festivals.
2. The hidden power of sap
- The sap of the lacquer tree is known to be poisonous, but at the same time, its special properties make it an important element in the production of lacquerware. Lacquerware artisans use unique techniques to process the lacquer extracted from the sap, resulting in a beautiful, lustrous, and durable finish.
3. How to drain sap
- According to one legend, lacquer trees produce the best sap under certain conditions and at certain seasons. It is said that lacquerware artisans would perform prayers and rituals to determine this time and harvest the best sap.
4. The myth of lacquer
- There are also severalmyths surrounding urushi . They say that urushi trees are protected by the gods and that their sap has mystical powers. These myths are one of the reasons why urushi has been an important material in traditional Japanese culture and crafts since ancient times.
These tales and legends express the respect and mystique attached to lacquer and its raw material, the urushi tree, but as these stories vary by culture and region and contain elements of myth and folklore, they cannot be accepted as strict historical facts.
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