Maki-e, a lacquer technique developed in Japan over 1,200 years ago, involves sprinkling gold or silver powders onto lacquered designs to create radiant patterns. Known internationally since the Edo period (1603 CE–1868 CE), this technique became a hallmark of Japanese artistry. Through varying powder density and size, maki-e artists add perspective to a flat surface, achieving a unique sense of depth.

Yamanoshita’s taka maki-e technique involves layering lacquer mixed with fine powders like charcoal and silver to build raised, three-dimensional designs that shimmer with light and shadow. This meticulous process, which can span several months, requires immense skill and patience, as each layer must be precisely applied and carefully sanded to preserve the underlying surface. The combination of varied polish and thickness within the lacquer brings a vivid depth to each piece, enhancing the dynamic contrast that characterizes Japanese craftsmanship at its finest.

The beauty of Yamanoshita’s work lies not only in craftsmanship but also in the motifs he chooses, which often symbolize good fortune, peace, and prosperity. His designs, like the matsushima landscape of pine-covered islands, capture traditional Japanese reverence for nature and harmony. The kozuchi (ceremonial mallet) he creates for celebratory occasions is a masterpiece of symbolism, its raised pine trees and shimmering waves evoking resilience and endurance. Using variations in the thickness of gold, Yamanoshita achieves a multi-dimensional effect, each piece shimmering with life and spiritual meaning. The artist's ability to convey a quiet yet profound message through gold, lacquer, and relief showcases his devotion to artistry and heritage.