Shibayama

The name Shibayama has become the generic term for a style of decorative item with inlays of mother-of-pearl insects and birds in ivory, lacquer or metal.

During the Meiji era (1868-1912), the Emperor of Japan decided to Westernize the country, and the artists and artisans who had created netsukes, sword furniture and exquisite lacquerware suddenly found themselves out of work. Some turned to making items for the export trade and one item that suited their talents in particular were counters used to keep score in the game of whist. As the game progresses the various tabs are hinged up vertically against a spring

Orientalism became the rage in Great Britain and France in the 1880s and exotic Japanese whist counters were eagerly acquired. They usually had a floral lacquered ("hiramaki-e") design, were made of rosewood and came in an original highly decorated kiri wood storage box.

The art form extended to many other items including boxes, card cases and trays.