Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum
Maki-e, meaning “sprinkled image,” was developed during the Heian Period (794–1185) as a technique for decorating household items for court nobles. Wet Japanese lacquer is sprinkled with metallic gold or silver powder and shaped into a design. It takes highly skilled craftsmanship to produce a maki-e work, so artists go through years of training to hone their skills. These ornate patterns adorned items such as paper screens and letter boxes. Maki-e became a symbol of power, and the Shogunate and Daimyo (feudal lords) adopted the complex painting technique for their possessions. Large items such as bookshelves as well are more personal effects like storages boxes and incense holders adorned with maki-e are featured at this exhibit.