This adorable brooch is made of Japanese magnolia and finished with urushi lacquer using a technique called fuki urushi. Urushi is a type of tree sap and has been used in Japan for over 9000 years as a finishing material for wooden objects.
Fuki urushi is a method that uses natural, colorless urushi; after urushi is applied on the wood surface, it is wiped off immediately and then dried. The process is repeated many times, resulting in a polished surface that highlights the patterns of the wood grain. The eyes and beaks of the chicks are rendered in colored urushi.
Simple, charming and lightweight, the brooch is a versatile piece that can match any outfit, from a tailored jacket to a cozy hand knit sweater.
Specifications
- Japanese magnolia and urushi lacquer
- 2" (W) x 1½” (H)
- Each piece is unique as it is made entirely by hand
- Comes in a box
- Made in Japan
Who Makes It
Maiko Okuno is a Kanazawa based artist who creates urushi lacquer finished wooden tableware and decorative objects. Her works are marked with a letter M in red urushi.
