This kind is obtained from the branches of the trees as described above; but the yield is only 1 per cent. in comparison with other lacquer. As, however, in working, the proportion of nearly 90 Per cent. is required, the lacquer manufacturers sell a mixture which is stated to be a compound of true branch lacquer, the best crude lacquer, ura - me and tome lacquer, funori (seaweed jelly), sweet potatoes grated fine; the whole coloured as may be necessary with soot. The proportions in which these materials are used cannot be ascertained, and indeed each manufacturer uses his own special mixture, but the extraneous additions are believed not to injure the quality of the whole. True branch lacquer becomes extremely hard when once dry, but used alone will not dry under some 20 days; so that now, when time is an object, the pure sap is but little used.

Previous to the revolution of 1868, branch lacquer of a very superior quality, and which would dry quickly, was obtained by using the young shoots which sprouted yearly from the roots after the trees had been cut down. This kind was called Ki-seshime (crude branch), and was made under directions of the Government, who received it as taxes; but the practice has been discontinued of late. The price of pure branch lacquer is, owing to the difficulty in drying, only 70 Per cent. of ordinary good lacquer.