The Use of Lacquer - japan |
|
In 1975, an exquisite and elaborate ornamental
comb, nine cm long, and painted vivid
scarlet with japan, was discovered in a Jomon
stratum of shells in the Torihama shell mound
in Mikata-machi, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture. At the same time pots and wooden vessels
and bows, all painted with red lacquer and
black lacquer, were excavated. Investigation told that they were from the
Early Stage of the Jomon Period (Zenki),
around BC 4000-3000, and that lacquer-painting
skill had already reached a very advanced
stage in Japan. The process of lacquer painting is complex, and both learning and practicing take much labor and time. Jomon people could afford to take time and labor to improve a skill which was not immediately needed for their survival. Their life seems to have been more stable and affluent than was generally imagined. |
|
Right : a reproduction of the comb above |
|
Left: A lacquered comb
|
|
A lacquer-painted basket
|
|
A piece of lacquer-painted wooden vessel
|
|
Back to Top Page Next Page |