The superb paintings and crafts of the Meiji period combined techniques cultivated since the end of the Edo period with influences from abroad to produce amazingly exquisite expressions. Cloisonne ware, metalwork (engraving and inlaying), lacquerwork (maki-e), and free-form figurines are particularly representative.
These works are characterized by their overwhelming ability to depict details and reproduce lifelike movements in metal, a high level of skill that is said to be difficult to reproduce even today. Many of these works were intended for export, and were highly acclaimed overseas at the World Expositions, leading to the international acclaim of Japanese arts and crafts.
