Abstract
Maki-e is a traditional Japanese decorative technique that uses the natural lacquer Urushi and metal powders. In 2014, there exist only two companies that manufacture silver powder for the purpose of Maki-e, and this study focuses on comparing the powders manufactured by them. Gloss and color of each silver powder were measured after Maki-e decoration was finished, and EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) was used to determine the differences in their chemical composition. In addition, to verify the effect of polishing, residual gloss after sulfuration and polishing was measured. The study revealed that the shapes of the silver powders (Maru-fun, No. 1) manufactured by the two companies are different and it affects the occupancy rate of Urushi and powder, which in turn affects their gloss and color. Wakou silver has a very strong resistance to sulfuration; however, owing to its Pd content, its chroma is much lower than that of other powders. It was shown that sulfuration on powder surface can be removed by polishing irrespective of the shape and chemical composition ratio of the particles.
Highlights
Lacquer craft is a typical traditional craft of Japan
While several studies concerning Urushi have been conducted all over the world [3]-[6], very few focused on Maki-e
To the best of our knowledge, metal powders that are presently used in Maki-e have never been investigated
Summary
Lacquer craft is a typical traditional craft of Japan. Maki-e is a drawing technique that uses the natural lacquer Urushi and metal powders. (2015) Study on Properties of Silver Powder for Maki-e. While several studies concerning Urushi have been conducted all over the world [3]-[6], very few focused on Maki-e. There are, a few investigations that focus on the conservation of Maki-e works and the Maki-e technique; these studies did not use real materials though [10]. There are some studies regarding the techniques and powders used in the past in Japan [11]-[13]. To the best of our knowledge, metal powders that are presently used in Maki-e have never been investigated
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