Koi
A koi fish with waterweed in the background, painted on a coaster. Fun fact: this is the first piece of lacquerware I have ever sold! Blub!
Arowana
This design of an arowana fish was made for my second Japanese lacquer workshop. It has a wave-pattern for scales and blossoms can be seen in the background. The picture below of me painting was made by the amazing Yuki from https://japanworkshopnet.com/ ! She tought me everything I know regarding painting with Urushi, the Japanse lacquer.
Before you can start painting, your wooden item has to be painted with various layers of lacquer and dry properly. Your design can then be transfered unto the item, and you can start applying the Urushi. There are a few colours of Urushi available to paint with, or you can use a special type of sticky Urushi on which you can later sprinkle golden or silver metal powders. Once you have finished your item, it has to be put in a warm and moist environment in which the materials can dry. Clean it afterwards with water and a soft brush or paper towel and voilà!
