Hira Maki-e 平蒔繪

Maki-e is a technique where designs and painted with urushi and metal powders are sprinkled to create the artwork. Different styles of maki-e exist, such as Hira (flat) Maki-e, Togidashi (burnished) Maki-e, and Taka (raised) Maki-e. These different techniques are commonly used together to create highly detailed and intricate designs which sets this apart from other urushi methods.

Hira Maki-e is done by painting a thin layer of urushi followed by sprinkling metal powders which is then affixed with layers of raw or coloured urushi to ensure the powders stick adhere firmly to the surface. This is then polished by hand to bring out the luster of the metal. Silver maki-e will tarnish over time, but the original shine can be brought back by silver polish.

This technique works best when applied on a base of urushi, however it may be possible to do on certain plastics like acrylic or other surfaces which urushi can adhere to.