Section 5: The work of the picture painter (makieshi)

This section deals with making the lacquer and gold pictures (makie) commonly found on Buddhist family altars (butsudan). These pictures can be made with a single layer of clay (doromori makie) or one or several layers of lacquer (urushimori makie). The tools, materials and techniques used to make these pictures are described fully. Several different colours and grades of gold powder, which may then be put on top, are explained. Using drawings and photos, techniques to create special effects are described. Typical of traditional artisans in the modern world of mass production, makieshi have worries about cost-cutting methods and these are indicated in context. The table of contents at the beginning of this section gives a comprehensive list of what is covered.