Japanese Antique Lacquer Repair...

[Juanito]

Okay - I'm in the middle of disasters right now with trying to find a new apartment and all sorts of other stuff - but in the middle of all that I have a totally unrelated question...

I have a very precious antique item - a 350 year old Japanese samurai sword which is quite exceptional in a number of ways - not just the blade though, the exceptional quality and condition of the antique lacquered saya (scabbard) for the sword which is almost in perfect condition - or at least it WAS...

Somehow I managed to hit a small section of the black lacquer with something and now there is a section of about half a centimetre that has visible (but fine) scratching...

Back home I was usually pretty good at doing antique weapon/furniture restoration - but here in Argentina I simply DON'T know what product to buy for what purpose or where to get it... What I suppose I need is either the local version of a Japanese ''urushi repair kit'' or a suitable polish (wax or other) that can be used for removing fine scratches from furniture (for example) without damaging the finish... Any suggestions gang?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Alicia karr]

They must have some kind of "turtle wax" here like they use on cars, no?

 

[citygirl]

I would be very leery about using something commercial. I would contact one of the museums or a very knowledgable antiques dealer and ask.

 

[Hybrid Ambassador]

Okay - I'm in the middle of disasters right now with trying to find a new apartment and all sorts of other stuff - but in the middle of all that I have a totally unrelated question...

I have a very precious antique item - a 350 year old Japanese samurai sword which is quite exceptional in a number of ways - not just the blade though, the exceptional quality and condition of the antique lacquered saya (scabbard) for the sword which is almost in perfect condition - or at least it WAS...

Somehow I managed to hit a small section of the black lacquer with something and now there is a section of about half a centimetre that has visible (but fine) scratching...

Back home I was usually pretty good at doing antique weapon/furniture restoration - but here in Argentina I simply DON'T know what product to buy for what purpose or where to get it... What I suppose I need is either the local version of a Japanese ''urushi repair kit'' or a suitable polish (wax or other) that can be used for removing fine scratches from furniture (for example) without damaging the finish... Any suggestions gang?

Many thanks in advance.

Juanito-san, Bummer that you have damaged your Nippon tou's "Saya". Amazon has Japanese "Urushi Lacquer" for US$12.00 http://www.amazon.com/Toho-Japanese-Lacquer-Special-Brown/dp/B002OAHXFE/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1388430439&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=japanese+urushi+lacquer

 

[TomAtAlki]

We have friends that do antique restoration, shop is @ Honduras 5260. Don't be put off by kitschy stuff in window, they do a very good job.
Nancy

 

[Juanito]

Thanks guys - I did track down a place in Japan not far from where I used to live years ago - they sell Urushi repair kits - I wonder what Aduana will make of it if I order it and get it sent here (?)

 

[ghost]

Thanks guys - I did track down a place in Japan not far from where I used to live years ago - they sell Urushi repair kits - I wonder what Aduana will make of it if I order it and get it sent here (?)

You are a proven sucker for punishment. Import Urushi Lacquer, no, nada, not a chance, no way......do I have your attention yet?. Forget it. Stay local or forget it. Anyway I think you need to focus on some real and immediate problems.

 

[Juanito]

Ghost - I hear you... That project is ongoing right now - full on in the middle of apartment hunting right now - we saw one yesterday and will be seeing several more this week and then making a decision - not to mention explaining to the landlady that she better have our money for us if she wants us out on time... Re: my katana - its tiny and minimal damage but I'm a bit of a fanatic when it comes to caring for my Nihonto - have been a collector for years and my golden rule is try and maintain and care for these amazing pieces of history as best as I can - so that the next custodian receives them in better condition rather than worse

 

[ghost]

It's time for that wonderful blade to enter into the apartment negotiation.

 

[Juanito]

I have felt that temptation - a perfect 350 year old shinto blade - seki school - in perfect polish so she still has her perfect razor edge She is just the right size for swinging around in an apartment too - more of an uchigatana than a katana and a blade length of only about 2 shaku - could convert the landlord and landlady from hell into pork teppanyaki in about 30 seconds Ikimasho...