Raden

Raden (螺鈿^?) is a style and technique in Japanese lacquerware and woodwork using inlays of shell and ivory to decorate pieces that usually have a wood base, whether lacquered or not, though bases of metal or other materials may be used. The shells used include mother-of-pearl, abalone and other types.

Chinese lacquerware had been the first to develop shell-inlaid lacquer, at least as early as the Tang dynasty (618–907), and pieces reached Japan as diplomatic gifts and through trade. Chinese styles continued to influence Japanese work. The pieces very often include other Japanese lacquer techniques, and the shell pieces may be underpainted, engraved, or worked in other ways.

The term may also be used for similar traditional work from Korea or countries in South-East Asia such as Vietnam, or for modern work done in the West.

There are many ways that raden is produced, with all techniques classed under three main categories: Atsugai (using thick shell pieces), Usugai (using much thinner pieces), and Kenma (the thinnest application of shell pieces).

In Atsugai raden, the shell is often cut with a scroll saw, then finished with a file or rubstone before application. In Usugai raden, the thinner shell pieces are usually made using a and a special punch. Kenma raden is fashioned similarly to Usugai raden.

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