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Kanshitsu (3) - Tonoko-sabi (fine-grained base paste).

I am working on bodies made of hemp cloths and urushi (Japanese lacquer) with a technique called kanshitsu.
Illustration of Cross Section
Partial enlargement of a cutaway drawing of kanshitsu (illustration). The order of the procedure is as follows: plaster mold, base, linen, primer, and urushi (Japanese lacquer) for painting.
The previous processes

Kanshitsu (1) - Making plaster molds

I made molds in plaster...

2025.01.26

Kanshitsu (2) - Mold releasing agent.

I applied a release agent to the plasters.

2025.02.20


I applied tonoko-sabi (fine-grained base paste) on the plaster mold for kanshitsu after the mold release agent (glue made from glutinous rice flour) had dried.
I applied tonoko-sabi (fine base paste) on the plaster mold for kanshitsu after the mold release agent (glue made from glutinous rice flour) had dried.

If the glue made from glutinous rice flour is allowed to dry for a long time, it's crack and peel, so I applied it as soon as the surface appeared dry.
I use a brush for curved surfaces, but this time I was able to apply it with a spatula. Brushes require special care before and after use, so it is easier to work with a spatula.
Tonoko (fine stone powder) is kneaded with water and mixed with ki-urushi to make tonoko-sabi.

Tonoko (fine stone powder) is kneaded with water and mixed with ki-urushi to make tonoko-sabi. Tonoko-sabi is also called "sabi" or "kesho-sabi".
The next day, I roughly smoothed the surface with a waterproof paper #80 to #150 and applied the second coat of tonoko-sabi. After that, I could have proceeded to the next step, but I wanted to have enough thickness to shapen with a whetstone, so I applied tonoko-sabi for 3 times this time.
After applying it, just let it harden without being placed in a humid muro.
I applied 3 coats of tonoko-sabi to plaster molds for kanshitsu.


2025.04.21