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「漆のこころ」　第2回　はじめての漆器

中根多香子＝YUI JAPAN主宰、NPO法人ウルシネクスト理事

使うたびに美しく育っていく漆器

「漆器」と聞いて、どんなイメージを思い浮かべるでしょうか。高級品、扱いが難しそう、お正月のもの・・・そんな印象を持つ方も少なくないかもしれませんね。実は漆器はふだん使いしてこそ良さが分かる、とても身近な存在なのです。

漆器とは、木などの素地に漆を幾重にも塗った器のこと。漆はいったん固まると強い皮膜をつくるため、実用性と美しさを兼ね備えた「くらしの道具」として、古くから用いられてきました。

漆器は軽くて丈夫です。また断熱性と保温性に優れ、熱いものを入れても持ちやすく冷めにくい。さらに天然漆の抗菌作用がプラスされ、赤ちゃんからご年配の方まで安心して使えます。塗り直しや修理もできるので長持ちするなど、ふだん使いに適した長所がたくさんあるのです。

はじめて漆器を求めるなら、毎日使える汁椀（わん）をお薦めします。お椀を両手で包み込むと、しっとりした手触りと優しい口あたりにほっと和むことでしょう。汁ものだけでなくご飯や煮物、デザートを盛るなど、多様な使い方ができるのも魅力のひとつ。カップ類やスプーンも、豊かさを味わう道具として日々活躍することは間違いありません。

基本的なお手入れとしては、やわらかいスポンジと薄めた中性洗剤を使い、水かお湯で優しく洗います。ふきんで拭き上げると水跡が残らず「使いヅヤ」が生まれます。上質な漆器は、使えば使うほど美しく育っていくのです。

漆は紫外線と乾燥が苦手なので、直射日光の当たらない棚などにしまいましょう。漆器同士なら重ねても大丈夫。「よく使って洗って、拭き上げる」ことがなによりのメンテナンス、慣れてしまえば難しいことはありません。ただし、化学塗料などを使用した「合成漆器」も「漆器」と呼ばれ、多く出回っているのが現状です。漆器を選ぶ時は、素材や製法、扱い方などをお店の人や作り手に尋ねて、納得してから購入するのが良いでしょう。

漆器とは、自然界と作り手、そして使い手の三者で織りなす「使って育てる工芸品」。まずはお気に入りの漆器をひとつ、ふだん使いしてみてください。五感が喜ぶ「うるしのある麗しいくらし」、あなたも始めてみませんか？

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"The Spirit of Ulusi" Part 2 lacquerware
Takako Nakane = President of YUI Japan, Director of NPO Ulusinext

lacquerware grows beautifully every time you use it.

When you hear about "lacquerware," what kind of image does it bring to mind? High-end products, items that seem difficult to handle, items for the New Year. There may be quite a few people who have such an impression. In fact, lacquerware is a very familiar existence that you can understand its goodness only when you use it daily.

Lacquerware is a ware in which many layers of urushi (Japanese lacquer) are applied on a base such as wood. Since urushi forms a strong film once it hardens, it has been used for a long time as a "tool for living" that combines practicality and beauty.

Lacquerware is light and strong. In addition, it has excellent thermal insulation and heat retention, and it is easy to hold even when hot things are put in, and it does not cool down easily. In addition, the antibacterial effect of natural lacquer is added, and it can be used by both babies and elderly people with peace of mind. It has many advantages suitable for daily use, such as long-lasting because it can be repainted and repaired.

If you are looking for lacquerware for the first time, I recommend a soup bowl that you can use every day. If you wrap a bowl with both hands, you will feel relieved and relaxed with its moist touch and gentle taste. One of the attractive features is that it can be used in various ways, such as serving rice, boiled dishes and desserts, as well as soup dishes. There is no doubt that cups and spoons will be useful as a tool to enjoy richness every day.

The basic care is to use a soft sponge and a diluted neutral detergent, and wash gently with water or hot water. If you wipe it with a tea towel, there will be no traces of water left, and "TSUKAIZUYA（a lustre that comes from frequent use）" will be created. The more you use high-quality lacquer ware, the more beautiful it will grow.

Urushi is not good at ultraviolet rays and drying, so put it away on a shelf or something that is not exposed to direct sunlight. You can stack lacquerware on top of each other. "Use it well, wash it, and wipe it up" is the most important maintenance, and it is not difficult once you get used to it. However, "synthetic lacquer ware" using chemical paints is also called "lacquerware" and is currently on the market in large quantities. When choosing a lacquerware, it is better to ask the store staff or the maker about the material, manufacturing method, and handling method, and buy it after you are satisfied.

Lacquer ware is a "craft that you use and grow" that is woven by the three parties of the natural world, the maker and the user. First of all, please try to use one of your favorite lacquerware every day. Why don't you start "A beautiful life with Urushi" that your five senses will enjoy?