Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 漆 originally depicted the flow of tree sap or lacquer, which was harvested from lacquer trees to create a durable, glossy coating. In ancient oracle bone script, it showed liquid dripping from a tree. Over time, the character evolved to include the water radical (氵) on the left, emphasizing its liquid nature, while the right component came to represent both the tree source and the act of collection. The character has consistently maintained its core meaning related to lacquer, varnish, and the dark, glossy finish produced from this natural material. Arrived in Japan: The character 漆 arrived in Japan during the Yayoi period (300 BCE - 300 CE) along with lacquerware technology from China. Lacquer techniques were well-established in Japan by the Kofun period (300-538 CE), and the character was incorporated into the Japanese writing system as part of the kanji adoption during cultural exchanges with China.