what are the J Paul Getty Museum Presents Tales In Sprinkled Gold Exhibition?”
This exhibition presents examples of Japanese lacquer objects from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Made in Japan—some specifically for export to Europe—these objects were popular among wealthy European collectors from the 17th to 19th centuries. The art form has had a major impact on both the fine and decorative arts. At the heart of this exhibition is the Mazarin Chest, one of the most significant and beautiful examples of Japanese export lacquer to have survived, and a highlight from the collection of Japanese art at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Made for European patrons, the chest features scenes from Japanese literature and is decorated in a traditional Japanese lacquer technique called makie (“sprinkled picture”), in which gold or silver powder and flakes are sprinkled over successive layers of lacquer before it dries.
