蒔絵 Maki-e

What is Maki-e in Japanese Katana terminology?

This is one of the techniques of lacquer art. While the lacquered surface is still wet, gold or silver powder, gold leaf, etc. are used to draw patterns on the lacquer and fix them, creating decorations. This is a unique Japanese art technique that began in the Heian period, and there are flat Maki-e applied to flat surfaces, high Maki-e applied in a sculptural style, and polished Maki-e where the surface is polished. It has a high decorative effect and is also gorgeous to look at, so it is used in all kinds of crafts. In swords, it is used for scabbards and sword stands.