Maki e Japanese Lacquer Ware 3D model

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Maki-e, a unique Japanese lacquerware art form, involves decorating items using gold or silver powder sprinkled with a makizutsu or kebo brush. Initially popular among court nobles in the Heian period (794-1185), it later gained prominence among royal families and military leaders as a symbol of power during the Edo period (1603-1868). Translated literally, "maki e" means "sprinkled picture." To create diverse colors and textures, artists use metal powders like gold, silver, copper, brass, lead, aluminum, platinum, and pewter along with their alloys. They use bamboo tubes and soft brushes of various sizes for laying the powders and drawing fine lines. The craft demands highly skilled artisans who undergo years of training to become masters. Kōami Dōchō, the first lacquer master linked to specific works, used designs from contemporary Japanese painters in his maki-e creations. Takamakie, one of the three major techniques in maki-e making, was developed during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). It involves raising design patterns above the surface through a mixture of metal powder, lacquer, and charcoal or clay dust. Another special type is Togidashi Maki-e where a black lacquer without oil is added as an extra coat on metal decoration. Two sets of models are available, featuring rectangular boxes with gold-painted interiors and silver-painted cylindrical box with cranes, carps, koi fish, and iris flowers painted in traditional styles.