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| The Road Leading to World Fairs |
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| The collapse of the Tokugawa government led to a sharp decline in domestic demand for makie and the loss of employment for many makie artisans, though some turned to producing export lacquer as a means of survival. As major cities throughout the world successively held world fairs, Japanese makie sold in large numbers. In Europe and the United States, which underwent industrialization, the newly emerged bourgeoisie took to makie as exemplified by chinoiserie from the age of absolute monarchy. Amazingly detailed works that incorporated innovative techniques were exported from Japan for this new clientele. |
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Incense Cabinet with Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons
Musee Guimet, Paris
©Photo RMN-©Thierry Ollivier
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