Export Lacquer: Reflection of the West in Black and Gold Makie
23 December 2008 - 26 January 2009

Makie (literally, "sprinkled picture") is a distinctive Japanese decorative technique in which designs are first onto a Lacquered surface with urushi (Rhus Verniciflua) sap and then sprinkled with gold and silver powder before the urushi dries. The history of this technique dates to the Heian period (794-1185).
Impressed by the beauty of lacquerware decorated in makie, Europeans who arrived on the shores of Japan during the Momoyama period (1573-1615) commissioned large quantities of works using this technique and returned to Europe with them. Makie continued to be exported to Europe and other parts of Asia even under the policy of national isolation in the Edo period (1615-1868). These opulent treasures from the Far East symbolized wealth and power. Marie Antoinette, August the Strong, and other members of European royalty and nobility eagerly sought these objects and decorated their palaces and castles with them. The English were so fascinated by the resplendent beauty of this Japanese technique that in England makie came to be called "japan".
This exhibition present works from major collections in palaces and royal houses throughout Europe, staring with Mari Antoinette's former collection, masterpieces from Japanese collections, and new discoveries from recent research. This first major exhibit of export makie also traces the history of the art form.