Technical examination of objects coated with a protective covering derived from the sap of a shrubby tree produces information that can be used to determine the materials and methods of manufacture. This information sometimes indicates when and where the piece was made. This chapter is intended to present a brief review of the raw material urushi, and the history and study of its use. Analytical techniques have included atomic absorption spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, differential thermal analysis, emission spectroscopy, x-ray radiography, and optical and scanning electron microscopy; these methods and results are reviewed. In addition, new methods are reported, including the use of energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence, scanning photoacoustical microscopy, laser microprobe, and non-destructive infrared spectrophotometry. See also AATA 21-1449 for reference to book.