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Writer's pictureCabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique
Oct 173 min read

Maki-e : The ancient art of gilded Japanese lacquerware

Maki-e, literally translated as ‘sprinkled drawing’, is a traditional Japanese art form that dates back over a thousand years. Prized throughout the ages by aristocrats and samurai alike, maki-e continues to fascinate by virtue of both its beauty and the complexity of its creation.

Box, maki-e lacquer decoration, Japan, Edo or Meiji period, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €3,000

Representing the pinnacle of lacquer craftsmanship, this technique involves applying powdered gold, silver or other precious metals to a still-moist lacquer to create finely decorated and refined motifs.


Maki-e appeared in Japan during the Heian era (794-1185), a period marked by the flowering of the arts, poetry and court culture. At this time, the Japanese nobility sought to express their refinement through meticulously decorated objects, and lacquer was an ideal material for this. The first maki-e objects were often intended for ceremonial use, such as incense boxes, writing cases or court accessories. Luxury and elegance were essential in these social circles, and maki-e decoration was a way of displaying wealth and prestige.


Over time, this technique was perfected, reaching a peak of complexity and beauty in the Muromachi (1336-1573) and Edo (1603-1868) periods. Samurai, in particular, began to adopt maki-e objects, not only for their usefulness, but also for the beauty and symbolism of power they represented. Armour, swords and scabbards were decorated using this technique, transforming objects of war into veritable works of art.


Sword hilt (Tsuba), maki-e, wood, mother-of-pearl, coral, agate, Japan, 18th century, at the MET, New York


Making a work in maki-e is a meticulous process, which can take months or even years, depending on the complexity of the design and the size of the object. The first stage involves preparing the surface with several layers of urushi lacquer, a natural resin extracted from the lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum). Each coat must be carefully applied, left to dry and then polished to obtain a smooth, shiny surface. This successive polishing ensures the durability and shine characteristic of Japanese lacquer objects.


Once the surface is ready, the artist begins to trace the motifs, often natural landscapes, birds, flowers or scenes inspired by classical Japanese literature. These motifs are created using a fine brush dipped in still-fresh lacquer. Metallic powder is then delicately sprinkled over these drawn lines. The process may seem simple, but it requires great dexterity, as one mistake could ruin weeks of work.


There are different methods of maki-e, each providing a unique texture and appearance. For example, togidashi maki-e involves applying many layers of lacquer and polishing the object until the patterns reappear subtly beneath the surface. Conversely, hiramaki-e, or flat maki-e, uses fewer layers and leaves the motifs in relief, while takamaki-e uses materials such as charcoal powder to give volume to the decorations.


Metal pouring pot (hisage) with hiramaki-e decoration, Japan, 17th century, kept at the MET in New York

Nowadays, very few craftsmen master the art of maki-e, as it requires not only great technical mastery, but also an in-depth knowledge of materials and a particular artistic sensibility. These craftsmen often come from long family lines, where the skills are passed down from master to apprentice over several generations. The Kanazawa and Wajima regions of Japan are particularly renowned for their maki-e workshops. Some of these craftsmen have been awarded the prestigious title of Living National Treasures, an honorary status conferred by the Japanese government to protect and promote traditional arts.


Maki-e, a delicate art form dating back thousands of years, continues to captivate art lovers around the world with its timeless beauty and refinement. Each piece, unique and meticulously crafted, carries with it a part of Japanese culture and history. Whether through traditional objects or more modern creations, maki-e remains a precious link between past and present, a form of artistic expression that defies time and oblivion.

Bronze sculpture, wooden base decorated with gold and silver hiramaki-e lacquer scrolls, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for the Millon auction house, sold for €11,500.

For collectors and art lovers wishing to authenticate or estimate the value of maki-e objects, Cabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique offers a recognised appraisal service. Specialising in Asian art, the firm has in-depth knowledge of the traditional techniques and materials used to create maki-e pieces. With many years' experience in appraising Japanese art objects, the firm's experts are able to determine the origin, period and quality of gilded lacquer objects. Whether you're looking to sell, buy or simply have a precious piece appraised, Cabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique is the place to go for an accurate and reliable estimate.



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