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1. Wood from the Ho tree (Magnolia family) and top-quality Shina plywood
is evaluated and dried thoroughly. The parts to be used in the final product
are cut out and planed. |
| 2. The parts are assembled into a box-shape and "sumigi"(slender
wooden stakes) are placed in the four corners in order to secure the structure. |
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3. The box is planed to create rounded corners and edges. |
| 4. A basic three-tiered box structure is completed once the lid and the
bottom of each tier are fitted with "san" (slender wooden pieces)
in order to keep all the pieces on top of each other. |
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5. An undercoat of raw lacquer is applied to cover the grain. This process
is called "kigatame". |
| 6. A paste of lacquer and special clay powder is applied in order to
strengthen the structure. This process is called "shitaji". |
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7. The box is carefully sanded to prepare for the next application of
lacquer. |
| 8. "Naka-nuri" is the second application of lacquer, after which
the box is sanded again. |
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9. Lacquer is applied for the third and final time ("uwa-nuri"). |
| 10. The three-tiered box is now finished. |
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