Land of Kirinoko Yamashina – Shitaji for Kintsugi

Yamashina Kirinoko Clay – Fine Japanese Clay for Shitaji and Kintsugi

Yamashina Kirinoko is a particularly fine traditional Japanese clay used in the preparation of Shitaji, the foundation layers in kintsugi and Urushi lacquerwork.

Finer than Tonoko, Kirinoko is used to prepare and refine surfaces, helping to create a smooth, even and homogeneous base before the subsequent stages of Urushi lacquer application.

A fine clay for Shitaji

Thanks to its fine particle size, Kirinoko is particularly suitable for work requiring a high degree of precision. It helps fill and correct small surface irregularities while creating a smooth foundation for subsequent lacquer layers.

Traditionally used in the preparation of foundation layers, it is especially useful for detailed kintsugi and Japanese lacquerwork.

Features:

• Traditional fine-grained Japanese clay
• Finer than standard Tonoko
• Suitable for preparing Shitaji
• Helps create a smooth and even surface
• Suitable for kintsugi and Urushi lacquerwork
• Origin: Yamashina, Kyoto, Japan

Use in kintsugi

Kirinoko clay can be used to prepare and refine restored areas before the finishing stages. Its fine texture helps create a precise, homogeneous foundation, particularly important in traditional techniques using Urushi lacquer.

It complements Tonoko when a finer and smoother surface preparation is required.