Maki-e is Japanese lacquer decoration technique in which pictures, patterns, and letters are drawn with lacquer on the surface of lacquerware, and then metal powder such as gold or silver is sprinkled and fixed on the surface of the lacquerware. The origin of the term maki-e is a compound word of Maki meaning sprinkling and E meaning picture or design. The term can also be used to refer to lacquerware made with this decorative technique. The term maki-e first appeared in the Heian period.
