For centuries, urushi (Japanese lacquer), a natural secretion of <i>Rhus vernicifera, has been used in Japan, not only for creating works of art, but also for the preservation and repair of artifacts. Urushi is outstanding for its hardness, resistance to weathering and water damage, and adhesive properties, but it is expensive and it causes dermatitis in the artisan. The procedure for creating a lacquer object as well as the possible damage it may suffer are described. The same techniques are used when urushi is used to repair lacquer, wooden sculpture, architecture and ceramics. Examples of lacquer repairs to lacquer, three types of wooden sculptures, and ceramics are illustrated. Today, urushi is often replaced by synthetic materials which are lower in cost and easier to apply.