Article briefly chronicles the history of urushi (lacquer) in Japan, from its earliest use as a coating and waterproofing material for baskets and ceramics in the mid-first millennium B.C. to its use in 20th century restoration work. Technical information on its chemical make-up, the methods of manufacture, and many of the surface treatments, such as maki-e and bori, are given. Article also describes how the use of urushi affected the development of structural changes in Japanese sculpture. -- AATA