Chinkin production process

Motifs are carved onto lacquer finished foundation
with a chisel and filling the chiseled part with gold leaves and gold powder.
This is the “Chinkin (Gold Inlay)” technique. In contrast to the “lacquering” of Maki-e, Chinkin (Gold Inlay) is a “carving” technique,
so every carving is a true challenge. There is no room for error.

• 

  Zuan

  Draw a design on a piece of Washi （Japanese paper）.

• 

  Okimetsuke

  Put the paper on the lacquerware, and transfer the design to the surface.

• 

  Subori

  Carve dots and lines with Chinkin chisels.

• 

  Suriurushi

  Apply black lacquer into the carved surface.

• 

  Hakuire

  Place gold foil and powder on the lacquered dots and lines.

• 

  Shime

  Dry lacquer with moderate moisture in Shimefuro（a room where the humidity is controlled）.

• 

  Hakusuri

  Wipe off the remaining foil and powder, apply black lacquer on the surface, and dry it again.

• 

  Finish

  Finish up sublime art that has both decorativeness and delicacy.