Layers of lacquer.
An ordinary wooden form, made extraordinary by what happens to its surface.
This is an original digital material study. A single vessel passes through ground, thin lacquer coats, humid curing, charcoal abrasion, repeated layers, polishing and maki-e. The reflection is the thread that connects them.
The material is real. The object is imagined.
Urushi is derived from tree sap. Its hardening involves moisture-dependent, enzyme-mediated oxidation and polymerization. The process is more than evaporation. Here, its time and scale are deliberately compressed.
The mirror finish is inspired by roiro. The later conceal-and-reveal sequence draws on togidashi maki-e: a powdered design is covered with lacquer and then polished back into view. This journey brings together selected practices; it is not a universal workshop recipe.
Research & references
Museum and craft sources informed the material language. Their collection images are not reproduced in this work.
Original procedural model, textures, materials and animation. AI-generated visual studies informed the art direction. No historical object is represented. No audio, account or network service is required to experience the work.
Asset notices · Original work license · Third-party licenses
