Until the 11th century, glue-based coatings were used in the decoration of Japanese buildings. When <irushi</i> was first used, it was used as an interior coating -- its use as an exterior coating began in the late 16th century. Discusses the rationale for the use of * 2urushi*1 in exterior coatings, describes several urushi-coated buildings from the Momoyama and Edo periods, and provides a detailed description of the application of an exterior urushi coating. -- AATA