2 – Discover the art of Maki-e at the Kyoka Gallery
Maki-e, meaning “sprinkled picture”, is one of the most sophisticated techniques of lacquered art. Gold or silver powder is delicately sprinkled over the still-fresh lacquer to form the motif. Other treasures such as gold shards, silver, pearl or coral are sometimes added. Once dried, the motif is set into the lacquer, glazed in permanently. A protective layer of varnish and painstaking sanding and polishing finalise the piece. It is a particularly meticulous process where there is no margin for error.
Our region’s style, with its characteristic beauty, is known as “Kaga maki-e“. The technique is still in use today to create beautiful artefacts, including utensils for tea ceremonies and calligraphy.
The Cooperative Association for Promotion of Kanazawa Kaga Maki-e has a gallery (the Kyoka gallery) where you can buy works by regional artists and try your hand at making your own Maki-e under the supervision of a professional. The beginner’s workshop costs 1000 yen per person, plus you get to take your masterpiece home with you. Mrs Hoerner, the gallery curator, speaks fluent English. The gallery sells items to suit all budgets, from undecorated objects, to the exceptional works of art, in particular luxury watches and fountain pens. All are unique and made using traditional techniques.
| Workshop | ￥1000 per person. |
| Address | 2-1, Owari-cho, Kanazawa, 920-0908JAPAN |
| Telephone/Fax | +81-76-232-2770 / +81-76-221-2179 |
| Open | 10am to 5pm. |
| Closed | Sundays and Mondays From late November to late March (Winter vacation) The gallery’s winter vacation varies per year |
| Contact | Ms. Gaia Hoerner: kk-makie@mbp.nifty.com |
| Website | http://www.kk-makie.com |
(Please note that the information in this article was last updated in June 2011. Please be aware that some of this information may have changed since then.)
