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In ancient Japan, who was the legendary master of Moki? How did his works affect history?
In ancient Japan, Maki-e was an amazing lacquerware decoration technique that applied gold, silver and other metal powders to the surface of lacquerware to create exquisite pictures and patterns. The inheritance and development of this technique are closely related to the achievements of several masters, especially Kōami Dōchō (1410-1478), whom we are going to discuss today. He is known as the first lacquer master to be associated with specific works. His creations not only influenced the artistic trends of the time, but also profoundly influenced the history of Japanese lacquerware.
Kōami Dōchō’s maki-style works incorporate the designs of contemporary Japanese painters at the time, making lacquerware not just practical vessels but also a work of art.
Kōami Dōchō’s achievements can be traced to the establishment of two major lacquer art schools that have played an important role in Japanese history. His creative style, known for its rich colors and exquisite details, redefined the standards of maki art. His works feel the blend of cultures at that time and present a unique and forward-looking aesthetic.
The main techniques and history of Shijie
Maki-e can be divided into three basic techniques: Hira Maki-e, Togidashi Maki-e and Taka Maki-e. The processes involved in these technologies are complex, and each technology requires superb craftsmanship, especially in the application of metal powder and the processing of paint layers.
Hira Maki-e
In the production of flat rice cakes, a preliminary sketch will be drawn first, and then the pattern will be drawn and transferred using traditional Japanese washi paper. This technique is the simplest of the maki-e, but it is quite time-consuming, and it was not until the Kamakura period that it was gradually perfected and became popular.
Publish Togidashi Maki-e
The technique of grinding out the maki is more complicated. First, the work is covered with a layer of black paint, and then the surface of the metal powder is exposed through grinding. This technology quickly became popular during the Heian period and had a profound impact on the culture and art of the time.
Taka Maki-e
High-quality paint mixes lacquer with mineral particles to form a more viscous paint to draw highly three-dimensional patterns, bringing new performance possibilities to the technology. This technique was further developed during the Muromachi period and became a common style in works of the time.
The cultural extension of Shijie
The influence of Makie technology is not limited to Japan. With the advancement of cultural exchanges, it even has an impact on the art of other regions. For example, the Mexican word “Maque” is derived from the Japanese 玳絵, demonstrating the diverse influence of this technology as it is passed down from generation to generation.
The charm of Shijie not only comes from its visual beauty, but also a symbol of profound cultural heritage and technological inheritance.
The development of these technologies makes the art of 绳絵 art no longer a single craft, but a comprehensive art form that integrates painting, sculpture and crafts. The artist has a strong personality, reflecting the atmosphere of the era in which he was created:
From ancient palaces to modern museums, Maki has become a bridge for cultural exchanges, bringing the world closer to Japan's traditional art.
In today's art trends, Shiyi is still an important research topic, and many modern artists still combine these traditional techniques with modern concepts to re-explore and innovate. So, how will Shiyi continue to shine in the future art field?
