takamaki-e; embossed gilt lacquerwork
A traditional Japanese decorative technique in which designs are built up in relief using lacquer and metallic powders, especially gold. A type of 蒔絵 (maki-e).
See also: 蒔絵
This inrō is decorated with takamaki-e.
Takamaki-e is a technique in which gold powder is sprinkled onto a raised lacquer design.
Compound of 高 (taka, 'high, raised') and 蒔絵 (maki-e, 'sprinkled picture'), referring to the raised-relief lacquer technique.