About Vermilion Lacquer
Vermilion lacquer is a type of colored lacquer made by mixing vermilion with transparent lacquer. Lacquer made of bengala alone is called bengala lacquer, while vermilion lacquer is made by combining bengala and vermilion, called bengala vermilion. Vermilion lacquer has been around since the Jomon period, but it wasn't until the Kamakura period that it was used for everyday items.
Key points of vermilion painting
Vermilion lacquering is a traditional Japanese lacquer craft technique that is mainly used to finish items with vermilion lacquer. Below are some basic points about vermilion lacquering.
1. Characteristics of vermilion
- Vermilion is a vivid reddish color, and traditionally pigments extracted from natural minerals such as red iron or red sulfur are used for it.
2. Basic materials:
Lacquer
- Lacquer is the basic base for vermilion lacquer. Lacquer is durable and can give the surface a glossy finish.
3. Vermilion pigment
- To make vermilion lacquer, vermilion pigment is needed, which will achieve the beautiful vermilion finish.
4. Base material
- Usually, a wooden base is used, and the base is prepared so that the lacquer can be applied evenly.
5. Steps:
Applying the base coat
- First, a suitable base is applied with lacquer before the vermilion lacquer is applied, which helps the color to spread evenly.
6. Vermilion lacquer
- Vermilion lacquer is spread over the base using a brush or tool, and by using multiple coats and techniques, a uniform color and texture is achieved.
7. Finishing lacquer coating
- After the vermilion has dried, several coats of lacquer are applied to give the piece a final finish, which gives it a beautiful luster and durability.
8. Applications
- Vermilion lacquer is used for a variety of purposes, including Buddhist altar implements, decorations at shrines and temples, furniture, lacquerware, and building materials, and is particularly seen in traditional Japanese architecture and temples.
9. Protection and restoration
- Lacquer is delicate and easily damaged, so it requires special care to protect it and, if damaged, repairs can be made to maintain the beauty and durability of the piece.
Vermilion lacquer is an important technique for expressing traditional Japanese aesthetics and culture, and is characterized by its beautiful colors.
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