Preliminary lacquering is complete with lacquering of the horn pieces done as well. The same' is not yet glued into place and is shown for visual purposes. Preliminary lacquering consist of establishing a good foundation of lacquer requiring many coats that are applied and then polished down to remove imperfections. It is important that the foundation provide adequate depth to the saya so that there are no exposed areas. The kozuka pocket is particularly hard in that there are many sharp edges and corners. It is important that the edges corners and seams remain sharp. The application of many layers of material tends to dull these angles and if not carefully prepared leaves these areas rounded. This is an important aspect of judging skill and quality
Imperfections such a these must be removed prior to polishing and
can be quite time consuming
Same' prior to gluing showing seam
More Imperfections inside kozuka pocket
Same' is glued into place. The transition from same' to horn is to be smooth without step up or step down, The seam is not to be immediately noticeable and great care must be exercised in fitting and gluing as the skin has the tendency to shrink when dried
Well, I guess I fast forwarded a bit.
I thought I had a few more pictures prior to finish but I guess I missed them
Here is the piece completed. Menuki have been glued into place and the saya polished. Gold makie highlights the inside of the horn fuchi and koiguchi giving a very pleasing affect.
Habaki is niju with Ginmuku outer jacket and kinkise inner in Daimyo style.