CERAMIC AND NEW URUSHI

Elucidation of a new technique in decorating ceramics using ‘New Urushi’ (Shin Urushi), synthetic lacquer.  This technique is safe, non-urushiol, non-firing and ecology-friendly.  There are many techniques to decorate plain ceramics and most technique needs firing.

Some ceramic artist does not have a kiln or in circumstances in the absence of a kiln an option of decorating without the need of a kiln is possible.  A new freedom is achieved.  A long and persistent quest for a non-firing decorating technique ended when I encountered ‘kintsugi’, a very well recognized technique for restoring damaged or broken ceramics.  The fascination with this creative technique went beyond the conservation purpose, I envisioned decorating ceramics with this stable and versatile man-made lacquer- ‘New Urushi’ (Shin Urushi).  Nevertheless, it was a very challenging project because of the sticky, quick drying nature of the lacquer. Above all, the diluting & cleaning medium were so strongly toxic for working.  Several experiments using different carriers, retardant and cleaning solvents were executed resulting to new methods of decorating ceramics.

Several questions had to be answered.  Is it possible to paint on the ceramics themes of flowers, birds and sceneries that require gradation? Is it possible to create interesting textures and raised-looks? Would it be stable?  For five years I have embarked on the research of commercial ‘New Urushi’.  The fruits of 5 years of research resulted to new methods using solutions, carriers and retardant to paint New Urushi effectively on ceramics.  Now I can paint any themes using New Urushi without worrying about health hazard.  What a new freedom using non-urushiol lacquer.  Furthermore, creative overlay on old art pieces could be done producing a new fresh work of art.  I hope that this new method of Urushi art on ceramics will enhance hassle-free creativity.  That is my sincere hope and dream.