Raden
2447726
214114180
2008-05-22T04:01:00Z
218.216.99.67
/* History */ see also link to Nacre
{{Unreferenced|date=March 2008}}
{{for|the Javanese royal title|Yogyakarta Sultanate}}
'''Raden''' (螺鈿) is a [[Japan]]ese [[decorative]] [[craft]] used in the creation of [[lacquerware]] and [[woodwork]], though it can be applied to metal and other surfaces. The basic underpinnings of Raden consist of variously applying the cut linings of [[mother-of-pearl]], [[abalone]], and other [[Animal shell|shell]]s into the surface of the target lacquer or wood.
==Techniques of production==
There are many ways that Raden is produced, with all techniques classed under three main categories: ''Atsugai'' (using thick shell pieces), ''Usugai'' (using much thinner pieces), and ''Kenma'' (the thinnest application of shell pieces).
In ''Atsugai'' Raden, the shell is often cut with a [[scroll saw]], then finished with a [[File (tool)|file]] or [[rubstone]] before application. In ''Usugai'' Raden, the thinner shell pieces are usually made using a [[template]] and a special [[Punch (engineering)|punch]]. ''Kenma'' Raden is fashioned similarly to ''Usugai'' Raden.
Methods of application are varied. Thick shell pieces may be [[inlay]]ed into pre-carved settings, while thinner pieces may be pressed into a very thick coating of lacquer, or applied using an [[adhesive]] and then lacquered over. Other methods use [[acid wash]]ing and lacquering to produce different effects.
Raden is especially combined with [[Maki-e]], [[gold]] or [[silver]] lacquer sprinkled with metal powder as a decoration.
==History==
Raden was imported to [[Nara period]] (710-794) Japan from [[Tang Dynasty]] (618–907) [[China]], and was used in [[mosaic]]s and other items, in combination with [[amber]] and [[tortoise shell]]. Raden developed rapidly in the [[Heian period]] (794-1185), and was used in architecture as well as lacquerware. In the [[Kamakura period]] (1185-1333), Raden was a popular saddle decoration, and in the [[Muromachi period]] (ca.1336-1573), highly valued Chinese and [[Korea]]n Raden greatly influenced the Japanese style.
Raden experienced rapid growth through Japan's [[Azuchi-Momoyama period]] (1568-1600), when Japan's borders were still open to the outside world, until the early 1600s, before the [[isolationism]] instituted by the Seclusion laws of the [[Edo period]] (1600-1867). The technique was often used in the creation of [[Europe]]an-style items, such as [[Chest of drawers|chests of drawers]] and [[Mug|coffee cup]]s, and was very popular in Europe, as the mother-of-pearl covering the items contributed to their status as a unique luxury. The Japanese referred to these goods as "''[[Nanban]]'' lacquerware," with ''Nanban'' meaning "Southern Barbarians," a term borrowed from the [[Chinese language|Chinese]] and, in 16th century Japan, meaning any [[foreigner]], especially a European.
In Japan's Edo period, Raden continued in popularity despite the closing of the European market. [[Craftsmen]] necessarily focused on Japanese items. The Raden works of a number of famous Edo period craftsmen are still celebrated, namely those of Ikushima Toushichi, Aogai Choubee, and Somada Saiku.
Raden is widespread in Japan today, and is made for many applications, modern and classic.
==See also==
* [[Nacre]]
==External links==
* [http://www.japan-urushi.net/exhibition/report/ryuzanten/image/raden_kakimon.jpg A picture of a Raden lacquerware box]
[[Category:Japanese crafts]]
[[Category:Artistic techniques]]
[[Category:Woodworking]]
[[ja:螺鈿]]
[[zh:螺钿]]