Relationship with the Mitsui Family, Kyoto lacquer ware

During the period when the Mitsui house made the dramatic transition from wealthy Edo merchants to modern conglomerate, the family was also developing a deep connection with Zohiko. Many maki-e works were created in response to numerous requests from the Mitsui house, some of which were given as gifts to the imperial household on celebratory occasions. Reflecting the prosperity of the Mitsui family, generous amounts of gold and silver were used in a vast array of elaborate works. These exquisite Zohiko lacquerware pieces were recently exhibited at the Mitsui Memorial Museum in the special exhibition entitled “Exquisite Kyoto Makie-e: Mitsui and Zohiko Lacquerware.”