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There are several types of maki-e and this blog will explain three of them.

• Eraser maki-e
• Polished Maki-e
• Polished Maki-e

What is Maki-e?

Maki-e is one of the decorative techniques of lacquer craft. A picture or pattern is drawn in lacquer, and before the lacquer hardens, makie powder (gold, silver or other metal powder) is sprinkled on the surface to adhere to the surface for decoration. The lacquer is called “maki-e” because the powder is sprinkled on the surface (=called maki) to form a picture.

Erased maki-e (a kind of flat maki-e)

A picture is drawn with lacquer, metal powder (eraser powder) and colored powder are sprinkled on the surface, and the piece is dried to complete the process.

At Chikiriya‘s workshop, you can experience this Keshi Maki-e technique.

Polished Maki-e

A metal powder called “Maru-hun” is used. The process is the same as for “Keshi Maki-e” up to the halfway point, but after drying, the entire surface is covered with a very thin layer of Urushi lacquer and the metal powder is polished to make it shine. The effect of coating makes it stronger than Keshi Maki-e. The finish is slightly softer than that of Keshi Maki-e.

(“Dog” is finished by colored Urushi lacquer and “ Cherry Blossom” is polished by maki-e )

The same design is possible for eraser maki-e and polished maki-e.

Polished maki-e is more durable, but if it is to be washed and used like tableware, either eraser maki-e or polished maki-e can be used.

Togidasi (Sharpening) maki-e

After the painting is dry, a thick layer of lacquer is applied, and then the lacquer is polished with charcoal.

The expression like sprinkled powder can be done only by “Togidashi Maki-e”. Bambi, goldfish, and autumn leaves in the photo are also produced by sprinkling coarse powder and applying colored urushi lacquer over it before polishing.

Why don’t you try this very beautiful maki-e workshop?

Takako Japan Store