Paulownia wood panel, mizuhoshi, sumi ink, gofun (Chinese ink and gofun). The work was painted directly on paulownia plywood with a base coat of gofun (dried shell white pigments). No Japanese paper is used. This is a reproduction of a partial composition from the Tale of Genji picture scroll. The hair of the character was painted with sumi ink. The back is coated with water-based urethane varnish. Nihonga" is based on a style of painting that has existed for more than 1,000 years, and uses traditional materials that have been cultivated throughout history. The technique involves painting on Japanese paper, silk, wood, etc., using natural pigments such as sumi ink, iwa-enogu (mineral pigments), gofun (gofun), etc., and glue (nikawawa) as an adhesive. Gold and other metal materials (gold leaf, etc.) are also used. Iwa-enogu, made from ores, is a beautiful, sand-like powder. Mizuhigure, made from clay, is a fine, stretchy paint with fine particles. Artificial versions of iwa-enogu and mizuhoshi egur are also made, and are available in a wide variety of colors. Goko, made from shells, is a white pigment with fine particles.
