VTG Smithsonian Institution Hand Held Double Mirror Maki-e Design Japan for Sale

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VTG Smithsonian Institution Hand Held Double Mirror Maki-e Design Japan For Sale

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VTG Smithsonian Institution Hand Held Double Mirror Maki-e Design Japan:
$21.99

VTG Smithsonian Institution Hand Held Double Mirror w/ Maki-e DesignMade inJapanUp for your consideration is this beautifulVintage Smithsonian Institution Hand Held Mirrorwith aButterflydesign done in Maki-e stylewithButterflies and gold colored dust on the back of the larger mirror. It has two mirrors and one fits inside the other. The larger mirror measures 10-1/8\" long x 5\" wide and 1/2\" thick. Handle is 1\" wide. The smaller of the two mirrors has a bit of magnification and it measures 4-3/8\" in diameter. This mirror is in excellent condition but please see pictures as they are part of the description.
What is Maki-e:It\'s a design technique and maki-e literally means sprinkled picture. It is a Japanese lacquer sprinkled with gold or silver powder as decoration using a makizutu or kobo brush. First craftsmen draw pictures or patterns on the surface of a vessel using the lacquer. Then they plate metal powder such as gold or silver before the lacquer dries. To create different colors and textures, maki-e artists use a variety of metal powders including gold, silver, copper, brass, lead, aluminum, platinum and pewter, as well as their alloys.
Maki-e is a unique Japanese lacquer technique that has existed for many centuries. It was developed mainly in the Herian period (794-1185) and blossomed in the 17th - 19th centuries. Maki-e objects were initially designed as household items for nobles, they soon gained more popularity and were adopted by royal families and military leaders as a symbol of power.
Thank you for your interest.