{
  "id": 27921,
  "title": "Makie: Japan’s “Sprinkled Picture” Technique for Creating Lacquer Luxury",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/27/makie-japans-sprinkled-picture-technique-for-creating-lacquer-luxury",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-07-27T21:00:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Nippon.com",
    "slug": "nippon-com",
    "url": "https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/cs00088/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Makie is a Japanese decorative technique that involves sprinkling metallic powder, often gold or silver, onto patterns drawn in lacquer before it dries. The term translates to \"sprinkled picture.\" Emerging in the eighth century, this art form has evolved through various iterations. The simplest form, hira makie, features a flat, two-dimensional appearance, achieved by applying metallic powder to specially prepared lacquer areas. Alternatively, togidashi, or burnished makie, entails layering powder between coats of lacquer, which is then polished to unveil the design. Raised taka makie introduces three-dimensional depth by incorporating charcoal or clay dust. Some works may even incorporate metal or mother-of-pearl elements. In 2008, Japan honored master artisan Murose Kazumi as a living national treasure due to his expertise in makie. Traditionally, this technique adorns smaller items like decorative trays, hair ornaments, and boxes for various purposes, including tea and writing utensils. Additionally, it embellishes larger pieces such as screens used to partition living spaces and Buddhist altars.",
  "summary": "In its most familiar form, Japan’s makie technique combines the deep black of lacquer with gold powder for a refined sense of luxury.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}