raden 螺鈿

Raden is a lacquerware decorative technique in which mother of pearl is embedded in the surface lacquer. The technique was introduced from China in the eighth century, and Japanese artisans applied it to objects ranging from small household items to armor and architecture. Pieces of nacre between 0.1 and 2 millimeters are called atsugai (thick shell) and those under 0.1 millimeters usugai (thin shell). Raden was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1999.

Fine pieces of mother-of-pearl are meticulously cut and inlaid into lacquer, creating surfaces that catch and reflect light with a subtle, shifting iridescence.