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Makie from Early to Medieval Japan |
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| Makie (literally, "sprinkled picture") refers to a decorative technique using the sap of the urushi (Rhus Verniciflua) tree and metal powder. This technique, which originated but later died out on the Asian continent, developed into several distinctive styles in Japan. During the early and medieval periods in Japan, only members of the imperial court, temples and shrines, and nobility could own objects in makie. Elegant cases for Buddhist reliquaries, miniature shrines, sutra boxes, offerings to Shinto gods, and furnishings for members of the imperial family, such as stationery and cosmetic utensils, were made with precision and formality by an exclusive group of artisans who were under the direct employment of these social elite. |
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National Treasure
Sutra Box with Auspicious Floral Motif and Kalavinkas
Ninna-ji Temple, Kyoto
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