United Through Arts celebrates the Art of Japan.
Shikki (Lacquerware)
Shikki Lacquerware has been made since the Jomon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE) in Japan. Even today, it is made with the same ancient techniques. It is made by carving objects out of wood, then covering them with layers of resin. Then it is decorated with paintings, carvings or other objects like shells being placed onto the resin surface. Traditionally, this technique was used to create objects like containers or trays that could be decorative or functional. Today, lacquerware is also often used to make jewelry or nail tips.
