Shitaji: Preliminary coating

When the wood has been turned on the lathe, it is brushed with lacquer, which tightens the natural grain and fiber and also serves as filler to prevent warping or shrinkage after drying. At the same time, fragile edges that will be subjected to heavy use are reinforced by attaching linen with rice paste. After that, the piece is brushed with a mixture of lacquer, polishing powder, and diatomaceous earth, and polished when dry. This process is repeated 10 or 20 times, further strengthening the wood and smoothing the surface. This stage, which takes approximately one month, is essential to the quality of the finished product.