Natural materials such as leaves and nuts can also be used as a base for lacquerware, when processed properly.
Ficus lyrata leaf
First, dry the leaf and then coat the back with ki-urushi to let it soak up the liquid. Next, layer two or three sheets of thin washi using nori-urushi. Repeat the same process using a sheet of linen cloth and let the coating set. When the nori-urushi is set, carefully sandpaper the surface of the leaf to remove the waxiness. For the veins, use polishing powder mixed with water, and apply the mixture with cotton buds or cocktail picks. Cover the surface with thin washi, as you did on the back of the leaf. Complete the process by adding layers of base coating, middle coating and top coating of urushi.
Photo by Koji Takanashi