Kyo-shikki/Lacquerware: Michiko Mizuuchi (Maki-e Artisan)

I studied lacquer art at high school and trained to become a maki-e artisan. Maki-e is a traditional decoration technique where a design is applied to the surface of a lacquer piece by sprinkling gold, silver or other metal powder. I mainly use it for sake utensils, accessory cases, brooches, and necklaces. 

Since ancient times, urushi, or Japanese lacquer, has been used as an adhesive, durable material for coating objects. The beauty of its jet black and crimson hues continues to entrance people even now, but appeal also lies in the ability to combine various materials with urushi for decoration.