Yasuhiro Asai "Ship route" Boat-shaped box with maki-e and raden
- Lacquerware
- Sold Out
In life, there are times of loneliness, which can feel like staying afloat in the middle of the dark ocean.
However, if one has light in their spirit, the way can be seen. This boat-shaped box is meant to reflect this experience.
Category | Lacquerware |
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Maki-e
Maki-e (literally “sprinkled pictures”) is a representative lacquerware technique that originated in Japan around 1,200 years ago. Maki-e is done by painting lacquer motifs on the surface of a piece using a fine brush and then sprinkling gold powder onto the lacquer before it hardens, producing luxurious decorations.
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Mother-of-pearl inlay (Raden)
Mother-of-pearl inlay (Raden) is a decorative technique that uses the iridescent inner layer of abalone shell, turban shell, pearl oyster shell, or other mollusk shells. The technique came to Japan from China 1,300 years ago, and pieces featuring mother-of-pearl inlay are included among the artifacts at the Shōsōin Repository in Nara.
Yasuhiro Asai

Using mainly togidashi makie* as well as taka makie**, raden (mother-of-pearl work) and other various material and techniques. He follows the traditional techniques of makie, but at the same time tries to add some modernness in the designs to pass down his artwork on to future generations. *Togidashi makie: applying lacquer on the makie (patterns drawn with lacquer, covered with makie powder, and lacquered again) and polishing the pattern drawn parts after the lacquer is dried. **Taka makie: raising the patterns to give it a three dimensional look.