Kiso Lacquer Ware This page uses QuickTime. To download click on the icon. Stage One Processing the Wood: Naturally seasoned wood is made into such items as stationary boxes, trays and small pieces of furniture such as tables. Stage Two Priming: Using a mixture of powdered rice and raw lacquer, the wood is primed to fill any cracks or unevenness. Stage Three Ground: A thick, gray colored ground of raw lacquer mixed with powdered whetstone is now applied. Stage Four Middle Coat: Taking great care to keep the surface free of dust or dirt, a middle coat of raw lacquer is now applied. Stage Five Pattern: Using a tampon, which is a brush-like applicator, a pattern of random dapples is applied. Stage Six Click on the picture for QuickTime Movie Colored Lacquer: A pigment is mixed with raw natural lacquer and applied to the same thickness as the random dappling. The colored lacquer is then allowed to dry. A further 12 to 18 applications of lacquer are then made. Stage Seven Click on the picture for QuickTime Movie Rubbing Down: When the colored lacquer has thoroughly dried, it is rubbed down with a wet abrasive paper and a whetstone to expose a beautiful pattern similar to that of annual rings. Stage Eight Burnishing: Using a mixture of powdered charcoal, a vegetable oil and powdered whetstone, the surface is burnished. Stage Nine Finishing Coat: Raw natural lacquer is wiped on with a cotton cloth and then wiped off with Japanese handmade paper. Stage Ten Polishing: Using a mixture of powdered whetstone, deer-horn powder and a vegetable oil, the surface is polished with a cotton cloth.