蝋色塗 Roiro-nuri / Wax Color Lacquer

What is Roiro-nuri in Japanese Katana terminology?

This is a decoration of black lacquer. It is particularly referred to when there is a sense of transparency and gloss. It was a decoration for the Koshirae (sword fittings) to be worn at formal occasions during the Edo period. In the top coating, wax-colored lacquer or lacquer without oil was applied, and it was finished by polishing with charcoal to bring out the gloss. Compared to the unique gloss of Hananuri lacquer, it feels harder and stronger.