Maki-e

Article summary

is a Japanese lacquer decoration technique in which pictures, patterns, and letters are drawn with lacquer on the surface of lacquerware, and then metal powder such as gold or silver is sprinkled and fixed on the surface of the lacquerware. The origin of the term maki-e is a compound word of maki meaning "sprinkling" and e meaning "picture" or "design". The term can also be used to refer to lacquerware made with this decorative technique. The term first appeared in the Heian period. This technique is the most used technique in Japanese lacquer decoration. The is often combined with other techniques such as in which a nacreous layer of mollusk shell lining is embedded or pasted in lacquer, in which metal or ivory is embedded in lacquer, and in which gold leaf or gold powder is embedded in a hollow where lacquer has been shaved. To create different colours and textures, artists use a variety of metal powders including gold, silver, copper, brass, lead, aluminum, platinum, and pewter, as well as their alloys. Bamboo tubes and soft brushes of various sizes are used for laying powders and drawing fine lines. As it requires highly skilled craftsmanship to produce a painting, young artists usually go through many years of training to develop the skills and to ultimately become masters. (1410–1478) was the first lacquer master linked to specific works.…

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