Maki-e is an ancient Japanese art that combines intricate lacquer painting with a variety of surface decorations. These traditionally include powered gold and other precious metals, gemstones, mother of pearl or abalone shell. This few thousand years old art form was created to embody the harmony of man with nature. Sailor Maki-e instruments are exclusively designed by commissioned Japanese artisans utilizing the rich Maki-e heritage of Japan’s Kaga region.

The white maki-e is even more interesting and more difficult to produce. By far, this is the whitest maki-e we have seen. As natural Urushi is dark brown colour, once it is applied to the white base, it would be beige colour instead of white. Thus the clarity of the Urushi is really important to have the white base stands out. Sailor managed to accomplish this.