HIGHLIGHTS

During the Edo period (1603-1868), the techniques and forms of expression that had developed in maki-e up until then came together and flourished, resulting in experimentation in a wide variety of styles. The splendid National Treasure The Hatsune (First Warbler) Trousseau with designs based on the Tale of Genji was produced by the Kōami family. The Kōami as well as the Koma and Kajikawa families served as official maki-e craftsmen to the shogunate, while the Igarashi and other families similarly served the daimyo (feudal lords). They continued to work using their traditional family designs and techniques dating from as far back as the Muromachi period (1392-1573). At the same time, moreover, a number of individual artisans such as Hon’ami Kōetsu (1558-1637), Ogata Kōrin (1658-1716), and Ogawa Haritsu (1663-1747) emerged with their own unique way of working.
　At a time of prolonged peace and tranquility, the Japanese became more prosperous. Small maki-e items, such as inrō (medicine containers), combs, and sake cups enriched the lives of the townspeople. By contrast, while nanban lacquerware had gained in popularity among Western nobles during the Momoyama period (1573-1603), Japanese lacquerware in the subsequent Edo period was shipped to Europe and other countries via the Netherlands, thereby satisfying their taste for the exotic.