History of lacquerware
The history of lacquerware in Japan goes back to the Jomon period (14,000-300 BC), and several lacquerware artifacts have been found in Jomon excavation sites. As ages passed, many new techniques were developed, and lacquer was used to make Buddhist items, temple fittings, ornaments, armor, and tea utenstils. Lacquerware decorated with maki-e (sprinkled gold powder patterns) and raden (mother-of-pearl inlays) was particularly popular in Europe, and from the 15th century, the export of Western-style furniture crafted with Japanese lacquer techniques flourished. From the Edo period (1603-1868) onwards, everyday objects and accessories made with lacquer began to be made.