Urushi
/ʊˈruːʃi/noun
A traditional Japanese lacquer made from the sap of the urushi tree and used to create a durable, glossy finish.
Did you know?Fresh urushi sap contains urushiol, the same irritating compound associated with poison ivy, yet carefully cured urushi becomes a highly durable protective finish.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Japanese
Japanese
urushi (漆)
“Lacquer or the sap of the lacquer tree”
8th Century
Old Japanese
urusi
“Lacquer; tree resin used as a coating”
Medieval Japan
Japanese
urushi
“Cured lacquer used in decorative arts, ritual objects, and protective finishes”
19th Century
Japanese
urushi
“Traditional Japanese lacquer”
Modern English
English
urushi
“Japanese lacquer, especially the material or technique associated with it”