Lacquer ware defines an object decorated using the sap tapped from Rhus verniciflua, obtained from the secretion of the lac bug (Tachardia lacca). Japanese lacquer started with the introduction of Buddhism during the Asuka period (552-645).
Common and ornamental objects were made over the centuries until in the 18th century their shine and quality became amazing because the use of lacquer is extended to enrich and embellish any type of furniture, weapons, crockery, musical instruments, sometimes with the addition of families’ badges and coats of arms (Mon)
There are many decorative techniques: Maki-e, for example, is obtained by sprinkling with gold or silver powder the last coating of lacquer, while this is still soft and sticky;
Nashiji consists of transparent lacquer irregularly mixed with gold and silver powder, similar to the aventurine glass of Murano.