Maxi Night Sky Maki-e Pendant

One of the specific Urushi techniques I use is Maki-e • 蒔絵.

Maki-e is a distinctive Urushi Japanese lacquerware technique that is said to have developed around 1200 years ago. It involves using a fine brush to paint a picture with Nashiji-urushi • 梨子地漆 lacquer on the surface of pieces, and then sprinkling gold powder on the surface before it dries and cures, creating a design. The word maki means to sprinkle and e means picture. 

Typically layers of Kuro-urushi • 黒漆 a black lacquer are built up over time to create a solid base for the sprinkled picture. The Maki-e process is repeated several times, each time, Nashiji is applied and gold or silver powders sprinkled carefully. The delicate patterns are then cured layer by layer under very precise temperature and humidity conditions in a specially made wooden box, an Urushi-Furo  風呂. Like in Haku-e the newest layer of the sprinkled picture is sealed with a fresh layer of Nashiji and left to cure again. This process is repeated many times over successive weeks as each layer needs 24 hours to cure at least. The result is breath-taking and as such has become one of the most well known Urushi techniques outside of Japan. The technique as I use it reminds me of a star and wonder filled night sky. 

• Nashiji-urushi • 梨子地漆 - Lacquer used for nashi-ji. It typically becomes paler over time.
• Kuro-urushi • 黒漆 - Lit. black lacquer.

Urushi is an extremely durable material. Historical examples of lacquerware many hundreds and even thousands of years old can be found in exquisite condition with barely any deterioration in its finish even after decades of use. However, urushi pieces are not impervious to damage. When misused, they are still prone to the chips and scratches that any other object can sustain. 

As urushi lacquer naturally hardens under high humidity. Humidity is good for urushi lacquer. The Worst thing for Urushi pieces is drying so periodic use and wearing your Urushi pieces is the best thing you can do since the moisture in your hands and in the air gives Urushi its natural shine.

Urushi pieces will literary shine more after your use, repeated use and wiping or buffing with the palm of your hand is all that is needed to keep that slick shiny look Urushi pieces have.

• Do not clean urushi with abrasives or harsh chemicals. Although urushi can withstand many every day chemicals such as alcohols, acids and bases, it will not withstand some harsher chemicals. Wash Urushi pieces with a simple detergent and water with a soft, non abrasive sponge or cloth.

• Keep Raden and Rankaku away from acids and ink. Both Raden (mother-of-pearl) and Rankaku (eggshell) can be damaged by acids. Pieces with exposed Raden or Rankaku inlays should be kept away from sources of acid such as vinegar or citrus juice and some inks.

Everything is dispatched from my studio in Barcelona, 1-3 days after the order has been placed, normally using UPS. I send everything via tracked post and a signature is required on delivery, you will receive a tracking number on the same day as your item is dispatched. I send your beautiful packages this way to ensure they remain safe and can be tracked, this ensures we know where they are at all times and minimizes risk.

Unfortunately, if the address you give me is not correct I am not liable for possible additional delivery charges if it is returned to me. So please double and triple check. 

Under normal circumstances UPS shipping within Spain will get to you in 2 or 3 working days after dispatch. Ireland and the EU about 4 - 6 working days. International deliveries may vary but are sent via DHL or UPS.

Covid-19

However due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic there are some significant delays both within and outside of Spain.  So I really appreciate your patience as postal services try to deal with what must be a very difficult situation. 

Each piece, each individual earring is different. We are unique individuals and our jewellery should reflect that! Why settle or normal and ordinary when you’re not. 

If you want something made just for you, message me! Maybe you want a larger version or something with more weight to it, or even something with more orange. Anything can be done, just ask, asking if free!

As all of my pieces are completely unique once they are gone they are gone. However some can be pre-ordered and will be made especially for you. Of course this takes time and the piece will never be exactly the same, that's impossible when it comes to Urushi. The feel of the piece will be the same but the patterns will certainly look different. Have a look at some of my pairs of studs. Each stud, although made at the same time is different, this adds to the value of truly unique jewellery.

Jewellery can take between 4 to 12 weeks before its ready to be shipped, and the other collections can take 2 to 8 months. Urushi is a slow technique, months to make but thousands of years of life!

These are shipping estimates and pieces are normally shipped earlier. As soon as the piece is ready it will be shipped and you will be informed.

Quality and uniqueness are worth waiting for. If you want more specific or detailed information get in contact, I'm always happy to help.