[toscano]

Ford,

that is a great resource. Very good stuff indeed. I have been reading a lot about inro and their lacquering techniques and this site has provided a lot of insight.

not sure if I'd like to take their 'rash test' so readily , though
(witholding rash-decision puns.... )

-tassos

[toscano]

ford hallam, on Dec 1 2005, 02:39 PM, said:

mongrels, the lot of us
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

well said,

-t

[Garrett McCormack]

I've heard tales from a Japanese sword convention years ago where some sneaky fellow smeared urushi on many of the door handles of the convention center. Nasty thing to do, as it turned out.

[Doug Sanders]

I've always wondered about that irritant/rash thing as well. I've heard it compared to the same active ingredient in poison ivy, here in the US. There's the usual story about how generations of urushi craftspeople in Japan have inherited resistance to it and can work with the stuff better than mere mortals. Maybe this rumor is to keep newbies out of the craft, so as to not offer competition.

I even read once that just exposure to a room with raw urushi in it can cause throat irritation.

There are undoubtedly a few individuals with hyper sensitivity, but should we all be worried about experimenting with this material?

[toscano]

I remember reading in Masatoshi and Bushell's book that Masatoshi's mother had such a strong allergic reaction to urushi that she would get problems for days every time Masatoshi's father used it in the house.

-t

[Doug Sanders]

I just did some quick chem research and urushiol which is the active irritant in Japanese lacquer (urushi) is identical to the stuff in poison oak/poison ivy. It is recommended to follow the same care and precautions as with these N.American plants.

As kids there were those of us who were very sensitive and those who weren't after a day spent wandering in the woods...

Ever hear the story about how forestry workers and lumberjacks would eat a small leaf of poison ivy as if sprouted in the spring and continue each week as the leaves got bigger?.. Story goes, they became innoculated against it by the height of summer. Probably just an urban legend...

[Garrett McCormack]

haha, Doug thats an interesting tale. I wouldn't want to be the one to try it out, thats for sure.

[toscano]

oesophagus rash?

[Patrick Hastings]

Being surrounded by multiple spieces of plants that contian that same chemicals I have dealt with the rashes both external and internal, in the eye and other sensitive places. I have fought with several spieces of fast growing vines and bushes on this property for most of my life. This website I found has some of the best info on the topic of sumac plants there history and why they do what they do to some people and not others. I have a mild reaction to it, but my girlfriend will have a major breakout by trace amounts. If she worked with Urushi it would probably kill her. I made the tough decision to get rid of all my cats because they casually rub the poison oak and it eventually gets trace amounts or more into places we touch. Not to mention the petting of the cat hehe. We are just tired of getting it. I don't think she can handle another cortisone shot. It kills the reaction but messes up your imune system. Anyway if you want to know more about the chemical that is in Urushi this website will give you a good idea of what your dealing with.

Urushiols, what, why, and how.
patrick

[Doug Sanders]

Thanks very much!

[Janel]

Thanks for that. I have experienced the northern California rashes from poison oak, in the mid '70, when a prescription was necessary for cortisone ointment. Not a fond memory. I had a 9 week stay in a newly carved out camp site while attending a summer workshop with Marguerite Wildenhain. The first few weeks were extremely uncomfortable!

As for the cats, if you started fresh with new young cats, keep them indoors, ALWAYS. No fuss with the alergens, and the bird population will be stronger and remain alive for that choice, and the cats will be healthier as well. (getting down off the soap box smiley)

I followed a link in that site and found an explanation for certain type of burl wood and answered some of my unspoken questions about pieces of wood I have come across.

Thanks again!

[Jim Kelso]

When I discovered Japanese lacquer work in the early 80s I fantasized about practicing it. I soon learned it could give a reaction similar to poison ivy which I am extremely reactive to, so I abandoned all such aspirations. During my first trip to Japan(1988) Jean and I visited a shakuhachi maker. Early in our visit he explained that he used urushi in making his flutes(I think in the mouthpiece and on the interior). I was very careful not to handle anything, but got a mild rash from just being in his studio. I think you can judge your tolerance(or lack thereof) by any experience you might have with poison ivy, oak or sumac. I'm also allergic to Balsam Fir so have to handle our Christmas tree with rubber gloves!

[Doug Sanders]

me too! bring out the dish gloves!

[Doug Sanders]

This month's issue of Woodworker Magazine has a detailed guide to the application of a fuki-urushi, or wiped lacquer, finish. I saw the issue at the newsstand and bought it, only to discover the complete text online today!


http://www.woodwork-...rt2/art2p1.html

I don't know how long it'll be up, but if anyone is interested, please have a look

-Doug