Carved Ash Bowl – Natural Urushi Lacquer Finish

 

Part of a limited series of urushi lacquerware, this carved ash bowl is perfect for snacks, salads, or side dishes.  Our wooden bowls and plates are first turned on the lathe and then carved by hand to accentuate the wood grain.  Finally several thin coats of natural urushi lacquer are applied to the bowl over the coarse of several weeks.  The urushi brings out the depth and beauty of the wood grain while providing a durable protective coating.

Dimensions – approximately Ø190 mm x 35 mm

 

 

 

 

About Urushi Lacquer

Urushi lacquer is a natural finish that comes from the sap of urushi trees.  Urushi sap contains a chemical compound called urushiol; the same chemical that gives poison ivy it’s bad reputation.  In a liquid state urushi lacquer can cause severe reactions in people allergic to urushiol.  However once fully cured, the urushiol becomes inert and safe to handle.

Urushi sap is harvested and processed to remove impurities.  Once applied, urushi requires a humid environment to properly cure.  After being applied to a wooden bowl or other tableware we place our urushi ware in a muro; a temperature and humidity controlled box.  After a few days the urushi dries and becomes safe to handle.

Urushi is strong against acids, alkali, alcohol, and has a high temperature resistance.  These strengths have made urushi lacquer a traditional finish for daily use on soup bowls, spoons, cups, etc. in Japan and China for hundreds of years.