Keyaki 欅
Japanese zelkova or Keyaki is a particularly strong and valuable wood that was historically used to make bows for samurai. Its density and beautiful grain make it perfect for the production of high quality Urushi wares. Before it can be used, the wood is stored for several years until it has sufficiently dried out to ensure that the final product does not warp. Once dried it is ready to be cut and turned into Kiji, which is then coated in multiple layers of lacquer.
Tate-kidori 縦木取り
For added stability, Yamanaka wares are typically cut on the vertical grain, or Tate-kidori, which also serves as a decorative feature to showcase the natural beauty of the wood grain. This is further highlighted by coating in transparent lacquer.
