chinkin 沈金
沈 sunken · 金 gold
Chinkin (incised gold inlay) is a decorative technique used in lacquerware in which designs are carved into hardened lacquer with metal chisels and filled with gold powder or foil, so the design shines against the lacquer ground. It was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1955, and in modern times is particularly associated with Wajima lacquerware in Ishikawa Prefecture.
The artisan etches intricate designs into the lacquer surface, creating grooves that are then filled with sprinkles of gold powder and layers of gold leaf. This process creates an elegant finish where the gold sits within the carved lines rather than on top of the surface.