Okime (Basic Design)

Okime is a sketch to create maki-e. The profile of the sketch drawn on a thin piece of Mino paper is traced on the back of the sheet of paper with lacquer. The paper is then attached to the surface of the lacquerware so that the design is copied onto the lacquerware. Gofun, pigment made from shells, is sprinkled so that the profile will be seen. As these are sketches, okime cannot usually be shown to the public; however, there are approximately 5,000 pieces of okime created in the past in Zohiko, and they are still treasured and preserved.