nashiji-ko

lacquerwork

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

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Nashiji-ko refers to gold or silver flakes used in Japanese lacquerwork, specifically within the maki-e technique. These flakes, known as nashiji-ko, are sprinkled onto a lacquered surface, excluding the design area. Subsequent layers of lacquer are applied and burnished, allowing the metallic flakes to show through, creating a visual effect reminiscent of a Japanese pear's skin, hence the name nashiji (pear skin). This technique was particularly popular during the Muromachi period (1338–1573) and saw variations develop in later periods.1

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nashiji
Gold or silver flakes called nashiji-ko are sprinkled onto the surface of the object (excluding the design), on which lacquer has been applied. Nashiji lacquer is then applied and burnished with charcoal, so that the gold or silver can be seen through the lacquer. The name nashiji is thought to…
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Gold or silver flakes called nashiji-ko are sprinkled onto the surface of the object (excluding the design), on which lacquer has been applied. Nashiji lacquer is then applied and burnished with charcoal, so that the gold or silver can be seen through the lacquer. The name nashiji is thought to…
Read More