Ashmolean Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Lacquer is the sap of the Japanese sumac tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum) and is collected in the same way as rubber. It is painted in layers onto an object to form a tough, waterproof coating that can be decorated with metal powders and inlays.

Although lacquer has long been considered a quintessentially Japanese art form, it was first developed in China, like many other types of Japanese art.

The Japanese lacquer industry benefited greatly from the peace and prosperity of the Edo period (1600-1868). Before this time, only the imperial court, Buddhist temples, and high-ranking samurai could afford lacquer ware.

While there continued to be a high demand for spectacular, gold-decorated lacquer items to furnish castles and mansions, the newly-wealthy merchant classes in the towns also provided a growing market for lacquer in less traditional styles.

Bottle in meiping shape with orange trees (EA2002.33)   Basin used for a Buddhist hand-washing ceremony (EA2002.32)   Box with mon crests of the Inaba family (EA2005.73)

Flask with wisteria (EA1987.35)   Incense pillow, or makura kōro, with wisteria (EA1986.4)   Octagonal box with landscape (EAX.3992)

Picnic set in the form of a river boat (EA2007.106)