Designs and Illustrations Book, Kishū Lacquer

In the Meiji period (1868–1912), the market for Kishū lacquerwares expanded overseas. By 1883
(Meiji 16), 57% of Japan’s lacquerware exports were produced in Kii. The development of new
technologies also advanced and new techniques were introduced, such as the
method of carving the lacquer surface with a blade and the process of inlaying
gold leaf or colored pigment known as chinkin.