Page:Brinkley - Japan - Volume 7.djvu/407

 time of purchase, was subsequently found to lose its lustre and develop unaccountable blemishes. From 1890, when the choicest kinds of enamels began to be manufactured, a glue obtained from the root of the orchid (ran) was substituted for brass solder, the danger of flaws being thus avoided at some expense of durability.  —The most scientific and exhaustive information with respect to lacquer manufacture is to be found in the "Industries of Japan" by Professor Rein, who studied the processes by engaging in them with his own hands. The practical experience he thus gained, supplemented by scientific knowledge, enabled him to publish the first really satisfactory monograph, to which free recourse has been made for the details here given.  —The process of evaporating the moisture is constantly seen in the streets of cities. The lac is put into large pans, and these being placed in an inclined position, their contents are stirred for several hours with a large spatula.  —The drying of lacquer is not effected by heat: a damp, cool atmosphere is essential. The object is usually enclosed in a wooden chest of which the sides and cover have been saturated with water.  —Many collectors have been betrayed into purchasing, as genuine tsui-shu, specimens which are simply carved wood overlaid with red lacquer, in the manner of the Kamakura-bori mentioned in the text. Note must also be taken of imitation tsui-shu, of which the surface is a putty,—composed of lacquer, ochre, glue, and wheat-flour,—having a decorative design impressed on it. This kind of lacquer is largely applied to articles of wood or porcelain, such as trays, tobacco-boxes, vases, lecterns, etc. 