Maki-e, literally "sprinkled powder," is a general term for the process by which figurative or abstract designs are created by sprinkling pigment or metallic powder onto the surface of Urushi lacquer while it is still wet. There are many varieties of Maki-e, such as Tame-sukashi, Raden, and Chinkin.

The grace of this composition is to be found in the relationship between the negative space, where there is no design, and the individual figures.

The choice of lighter colors is unusual. The gold dust which is sprinkled into and imbedded in the flowers, leaves and berries contrasts with the pale background in its reflectiveness rather than in value.