What kind of work?
Realizes beauty of gold. Creates elegant lacquerwares.
The function of Makie-shi, at the final part of whole lacquerware fabrication proces involving number of craftsmen, is to draw patterns by Urushi and perform lacquering gold and silver powders for decorative finish. From the beauty of nature to geometric patterns, by adding elegant graphics the craftsman makes the products further sophisticated. Major techniques of Makie are Hira-makie, Togidashi-makie, Taka-makie, and Shishiai-togidashi-makie. Craftsmen perform various types of decorative techniques such as putting Urushi for height to obtain three-dimensional effect and polishing patterns with charcoal for gloss. In line with its precise techniques of maneuvering every single particle of gold, having a sense of beauty to draw patterns is required for Makie-shi.
Desired characteristics
Precise techniques required, as if doing makeup on lacquerwares.
Makie, giving elegant presence and gorgeous atmosphere to lacquerwares, is like performing makeup on lacquerwares. Thus, the job may be appropriate for those who wish to make people fascinated with lacquerwares by adding decorative work by themselves onto beautiful materials. Makie has been highly recognized also as an art for its precise and splendid aspect, so beautiful contrast and feathering require sophisticated sense and experiences. In addition, in order not to make scratches while polishing gold powders, delicate technique is also necessary. Keeping it in mind, Makie-shi treats its brushes important. They typically use different ten brushes or more to draw various patterns. Ten years is needed to be full-fledged.
The Path to Becoming a Makie-shi
Leaning techniques at the origin of each lacquerwares. Ten years at minimum to be full-fledged.
Courses to learn basic knowledge of lacquerwares are available at some art-related universities and vocational schools. Another way to learn techniques is to find job at a lacquerware maker either in Ishikawa (the origin of Wajima Lacquer), Koto (Kyoto Lacquer), or Fukushima (Aizu Lacquer), or to become apprentice under Makie-shi.
| Products | Furniture,Tableware,Accessories,Tea ceremony utensils,Bowl,dish,Tray,Boxes,Saucer,Dolls |
| Qualification | Lacquerware production certified technician |
| Related craftsmen | Togi-shi（Lapping Crafter） Chinkin-shi (Sunken Gold Crafter) Roiro-shi (Polishing Crafter) Nu-shi（Coating Crafter）Kiji-shi（Wood Substracte Crafter） |