A small case at the waist

Inrō: the case, bead and toggle

Netsuke: a small carving with a fastening job

A netsuke secures a container or pouch suspended from an obi. Its cord holes and compact carving combine a fastening function with a small work viewed from several sides.

Maki-e: metal powder held in lacquer

Maki-e decorates lacquerware with metal powder. A design is drawn in lacquer, then powder is sprinkled onto it before the lacquer dries. A golden surface may consist of tiny particles rather than a sheet of gold leaf.

Raden: shell, lacquer and pattern

Raden shapes the lustrous inner layer of shell into designs and sets or attaches them to an object. Japanese lacquer artists combine its iridescence with lacquer and other materials. Shell thickness and the chosen method of attachment shape the work sequence.

Obi: the sash, its construction and the finished knot

Kimono: a garment built from straight pieces

A kimono is a wrap-front Japanese robe worn with an obi sash. Its familiar form developed from the kosode, with changes in cut, fabric, decoration and accessories.

Urushi: from tree sap to a crafted surface

Obidome: an ornament threaded onto an obi cord