The Evolution of Mokume-gane: From Japan to the West and Back Again
Mokume-gane nearly disappeared in Japan in the 1900s as the reforms in the Meiji period led to its decline in production. In this article we explore the turbulent history of Mokume-gane and how it was brought back from the brink of extinction in the late 1970s.
The Origins of Mokume-gane
The art of Mokume-gane was created by a master sword fitting craftsman Shoami Denbei during the early Edo period almost 400 years ago. Like many innovations, Mokume-gane was born out of the inspiration of centuries old techniques and art forms, while being reimagined in a new form.
Magic: The Argument in Favour of Handwriting
The written word is both our window into the past and the future’s window into us. As many writers have noted throughout history, literacy is the closest that human beings have gotten to magic. Writing is a gateway to possibility, imagination, and legacy.
Urushi, Maki-e, and Kintsugi: A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Lacquer Art
Different techniques using urushi have emerged across the centuries and continue to be practiced today, each with its own unique characteristics. In this post we highlight the similarities and differences between Urushi Lacquerware, Urushi-e painting, Maki-e, and Kinstugi.
An Introduction to Maki-e: The Art of Japanese Lacquer Decoration
Maki-e (蒔絵), which translates to “sprinkled picture” is a traditional Japanese Lacquer art form that was first developed over 1000 years ago during the Heian Period (794-1185). It involves sprinkling metal powders, commonly gold and silver, onto urushi lacquer before it has hardened, to create incredibly detailed and intricate designs.
An In Depth Introduction to Urushi Lacquer Art
Urushi (漆), the Japanese word for lacquer, is commonly used to specifically refer to a natural and durable lacquer which is derived from the sap of the Toxicodendron vernicifluum lacquer tree.