[ . BACK to DARUMA MUSEUM TOP . ] . Edo shokunin 江戸の職人 Edo craftsmen . ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
raden 螺鈿 mother-of-pearl - inlay
In England, it is also known as "Japaning".
source : oikura.jp
quote
A shell, especially mother-of-pearl, inlay technique commonly used for lacquer ware *makie 蒔絵. The shell was usually placed directly into the wood core by cutting through the ground and setting it flush with the wood's surface.
The technique used pearl-like parts of such shells as oumugai 鸚鵡貝 ( omugai, pearly nautilus), yakougai 夜光貝 (yakogai, turban shell, lunica marmorata), awabigai 鮑 貝 (abalone) or aogai 青貝 (blue shell), chougai 蝶貝 (chogai, pearl oyster), and shijimigai 蜆貝 (corbicula).
Shells are worn down into several thickness on a whetstone or grinder and cut into shapes, then pasted or inlayed on a wood or lacquered surface, and polished. The thickest shell decoration, a thinner application, and the thinnest use of shell are called atsugai 厚貝, usugai 薄貝 and kenma 絹磨 respectively.
Decoration with shells is also called kaisuri 貝摺. There are three ways of cutting shapes from shells:
kirinukihou 切抜法 (kirinuki ho, cutting out), suitable for atsugai, is cut with a scroll saw and finished with a file or rubstone;
uchinukihou 打抜法 (uchinuki ho, punching), for usugai, uses a punch with a template; and
fushokuhou 腐食法 (fushoku ho, eroding) which brushes patterns in lacquer on a surface of usugai paste, then applies hydrochloric acid so the unlacquered part is eaten away, before quickly washing it with water and peeling off the lacquer.
Adhering shell to wood surface is achieved by:
kannyuuhou 嵌入法 (kannyu ho, inlaying), where the shell sheet is inlaid in a carved surface;
fuchakuhou 付着法 (fuchaku ho, adhering), where the cut-out shell is pasted on the wood and lacquered then polished; and
oshikomihou 押込法 (oshikomi ho, pressing in), where the cut-out shell sheet is pressed into very thick lacquer.
The raden technique, introduced from Tang dynasty China to Nara period Japan, was used with *mokuga 木画 (mosaic), kohaku 琥珀 (amber) and taimai 玳瑁 (tortoise shell). Taimai, also called bekkou 鼈甲, was used from the Nara period.
Taimaibari 玳瑁張り is a one kind of suki-e 透絵 (transparent painting) technique in which tortoise shell is covered over gold and silver foil and paint, and uses the *zougan 象嵌 (zoogan, inlay) technique together with raden.
Raden techniques developed greatly in the second half of the Heian period and were applied to architecture in combination with makie. Through the Kamakura period, raden was often applied to saddles. In the Muromachi period, Chinese and Korean raden ware was highly valued, and Japanese raden was influenced by them. In the Momoyama period, it was adopted into Nanban art nanban bijutsu 南蛮美術 (see *nanban byoubu 南蛮屏風). Honnami Kouetsu 本阿弥光悦 (1558-1637) and Ogata Kourin 尾形光琳(1658-1716) used raden and makie techniques. Raden techniques were also used for *inrou 印籠 (seal case), combs and scabbards. Famous raden craftsmen include Ikushima Toushichi 生島藤七 in the early Edo period,
Aogai Choubee 青貝長兵衛 (Aogai Chobei) and Somada zaiku 杣田細工 in the mid-Edo period, and Shibayama zaiku 芝山細工 in the late Edo period.
- More text and photos :
source : JAANUS
- quote -
Inlay craft called Zogan
"Zogan" is a Japanese traditional decorative technique.
A delicate motif is carved on a wooden surface, and then pieces cut out from shells or different colored wood are placed into the carved surface.
Because of rustic but universal beauty, inlay products can be used as both articles for daily use and gifts for others.
To deliver soothing warmth of wood to people's daily lives, products are made carefully and cordially by women living in Iwate.
Kai-zogan (shell inlay)
Nacreous layers of shell pieces are inlaid on a surface of thick glossy ebony wood and walnut used for fine furniture, and shine beautifully.
A surface with Kai-zogan looks different according to the direction of a light ray, and that's where its charm lies. Kai-zogan is a simple decorative technique to cut out nacreous layers inside a seashell into pieces of varied shapes and place them on a wooden surface.
A motif is carved on a wooden basis, and seashells are cut out into pieces to match the motif shape and are placed to fit exactly into the carved motif.
Development of a unique technique based on ancient traditional techniques
Our company's Kai-zogan started with an idea of the former president inspired by the shine of seashells used in Raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) decoration of World Heritage "Chusonji Temple". He wondered how Kai-zogan products could be brought closer to the people and offered as articles for daily use. Since then, we have developed our unique inlay technique based on a traditional decorative technique Raden through years of trial and error.
What makes Yumekobo unique is its original designs. For example, chopstick rests have a gently-curved shape to take advantage of a smooth wood surface and are decorated with a combination of several motifs, such as Japanese four seasons and lucky charms. They have gained popularity with a wide range of customers.
CLICK for more photos of their products !
Moku-zogan (wood inlay)
Products made with natural materials can make people feel comfortable and relaxed when using them. That is the greatest charm of wood products. Moku-zogan is a decorative technique to cut out wood into pieces of varied shapes and place them on a wooden surface. The technique used to be called Mokuga in the Nara period.
Various color shades of wood materials make different impressions
Wood materials have various "colors" according to their types and growth environment. They are truly natural. Craftworkers need to have sensibility and technique to cut out wood into pieces and assemble them with consideration of natural color shades. Because different woods have different grain patterns and color shades, each product gives different impressions and textures, even though it has the same design. Such different impressions bring to life motifs, such as flowers, trees and animals.
In Yumekobo, we try not to color products as much as possible to express natural color of a solid wood material.
Walnut texture loved by both men and women
Walnut with impressive grain that has a muted color and solid feel is a wood material that serves as a base, which is used to highlight motifs. Walnut is popular among both men and women. One of the reasons for its popularity is that its dark color fits in well with the modern lifestyle if it is used for interior accessories and fancy goods. In Yumekobo, we make wood inlays by combining other wood materials with a light color, such as Japanese lime tree, Norway spruce, and yellow pine, which contrast favorably with a walnut canvas with a subdued color.
貝象嵌・木象嵌など木製品 岩手県 夢工房
- source : iwate-yumekobo.com -
. Hiraizumi Konjiki-Do 金色堂 Golden Hall / 光堂 Hikari-Do .
夕日さす螺鈿涼しき光堂
yuuhi sasu raden suzushiki hikaridoo
in the evening sunshine
the Raden inlay feels so cool -
Hikari-Do hall
小林洋子 Kobayashi Yoko
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
