Finishing, Kishū chest of drawers

The surface of the chest of drawers is sanded with a special tool made of the dried root of Karukaya grass tied together with hemp string. The tool sands the wood to reveal the beauty of the natural wood grain. Kishū chest of drawers are known for their special tonoko finish, which is achieved by continually polishing the surface with the use of a mixture of abressive powder, water, and “Yamato liquid” (made of boiled Yashabushi tree that contains tannins to color and seal the wood).