"Powder of the earth", Wajima lacquer ware

A key characteristic of Wajimanuri is the durability of its base coat. This comes about by heating diatomaceous earth, a kind of soil known locally as ji no ko (“powder of the earth”), and crushing it into a fine powder, then mixing it with the natural lacquer known as urushi. Another reason for the special durability of Wajimanuri is the practice of applying cloth (nunokise) to fragile spots to strengthen them. In this way, lacquer objects of profound beauty and durability are created.