HYPOALLERGENIC Urushi - Red (Bengara) Japanese lacquer (20g)

This product offers a notably higher level of hypoallergenic-safety compared to other conventional Japanese Urushi lacquers. The risk of experiencing an allergic reaction is greatly minimized due to the inclusion of a specialized protein substance. This substance envelops the Urushi, shielding it from direct contact with the skin. *However, it's important to note that this does not guarantee absolute immunity from allergic reactions in certain individuals.*

Owing to this hypoallergenic formulation, this type of urushi is more viscous than our standard urushi range. To address this, you might consider employing alternative techniques for thinning urushi.

For the purpose of Kintsugi, genuine, traditional Urushi of high quality is employed for blending with base powders, creating fillings. This includes variations like Sabi (tonoko & urushi), Mugi-urushi (wheat & urushi), and Kokuso (mugi-urushi & elm).

If you're interested, you can explore our selection of kintsugi books for comprehensive guidance. These resources provide detailed explanations of the blending processes and complete techniques for practicing Kintsugi.

This product consists of pre-blended urushi.

To introduce a distinct layer of application, raw urushi can be mixed with our pigment powders to imbue color. This approach enhances the visibility of each added layer, capturing crucial brushstrokes. It's advised to select pigment colors that complement specific shades of precious metal powder. For instance, red (bengara) urushi is recommended for a golden tonal color, while black urushi suits a silvery tonal color.

Background:

Urushi originates from the sap of the urushi lacquer tree and has served as a natural adhesive and protective lacquer layer in Japan for centuries. Its use in kintsugi and Japanese lacquerware is well-established. Being natural, its ethical sourcing aligns with environmental responsibility. Although raw liquid urushi can trigger skin allergies, post-curing, it's entirely food-safe and possesses robust, desirable properties that excellently suit the enduring repair of ceramics, porcelain, and similar items.

This Urushi is purposefully crafted for traditional Japanese techniques like Kintsugi (golden repair) and Maki-e (traditional lacquer work). We've exclusively partnered with Japanese suppliers and sourced this product from a reputable Urushi refinery in Japan, unlike others who might not disclose their mainland origins. Our aim is to provide you with genuine Japanese urushi for authentic kintsugi ceramic repair.

Specifications:

Quantity: 20g sealed tube
Color: Red (bengara)
Expiry: It's advisable to use the tube within a year after opening. Store in a cool, safe, and dry place.

Our Suggestion:

For meticulous mixing and an incredibly fine urushi coat, our urushi filter papers can be utilized to eliminate impurities. However, our urushi blends already possess a low viscosity due to their high quality. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference and intended application.

CAUTION:

Urushi (non-dried lacquer containing urushiol) is an organic allergen that can cause skin rashes similar to poison oak upon contact. Always wear suitable protective gear, such as disposable gloves and appropriate attire. Avoid testing your tolerance. If contact occurs, cleanse the affected skin thoroughly with vegetable oil and seek medical assistance if necessary.

PLEASE REFER TO THE ACCOMPANYING PRODUCT DISCLAIMER BEFORE USAGE.