Abalone (鮑 [awabi]; also: Awabi)

Abalone shell is one of the most important “light sources” in urushi decoration: the nacre (mother-of-pearl) gives strong iridescence and depth that can’t be faked with pigments. In Japanese lacquerwork it is commonly used in raden (螺鈿) as thin sheets (for cutting precise shapes) or as fragments/powder for sprinkling effects. Depending on species and cut, abalone can range from soft pastel fire to intense green/blue flashes. It is typically sealed and leveled under clear lacquer layers, then polished back to reveal a flat, glassy surface.