By Japanese law, lacquerware has to contain only 20% genuine urushi resin to be qualified as "urushi". Using a combination of urushi and synthetic lacquers offers a less labour-intensive, less expensive and less error-prone alternative. Many utensils like cups, bowls, and fountain pens are therefore lacquered with such a combination (with cashew lacquer, polyurethane, acrylics) and can legally be labeled as "urushi". This accounts for sharp price differences between lacquerware.
Philosophical Instruments does not principally oppose the use of synthetic resins but believes this information should be disclosed. The use of transparent synthetic lacquers should be met with transparency about its use. (Urushi always has a brownish hue.) We believe not disclosing the use of synthetic lacquers could damage the reputation of the centuries old art & craft of Japanese lacquer work.
Therefore, we guarantee that Philosophical Instruments are lacquered with 100% urushi exclusively.