tame-nuri lacquer technique
A traditional Japanese lacquerware technique where a coloured undercoat (often red or black) is covered with a transparent topcoat, creating depth and a rich, subdued gloss. The term is specific to crafts and art contexts.
This tray is finished with the tame-nuri lacquer technique.
The tame-nuri technique is characterized by the undercoat colour showing through.
Standard kanji spelling for this lacquerware term.
Abbreviated spelling, often seen in catalogues or technical contexts.
Rare abbreviated variant with okurigana め.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling, sometimes used for clarity.
Variant with okurigana め; less common than 溜塗り.
From 溜め (tame, 'accumulating' or 'pooling', referring to the layered depth of the finish) + 塗り (nuri, 'coating' or 'lacquering'). The exact historical origin of the term is uncertain, but it describes the visual effect of depth created by the layered lacquer.