Back when the Pilgrims were sailing on...

Back when the Pilgrims were sailing on the Mayflower, skilled artisans in Japan were developing an art form called lacquer.

One technique, called maki-e, involves an intricate process in which thin coats of lacquer are layered with gold powder to produce delicate shadings, a sense of depth and a lustrous glow.

A wide array of maki-e will be on display through Aug. 25 at the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, part of a show entitled “Japanese Lacquer from Southern California Collections.”

The show also includes a

number of inro, the small lacquer boxes that were skillfully fitted together and hung from the waist to carry small objects.

One inro work features black crows on silver ground. Another design includes brown and white mushrooms, persimmon, chestnuts and pale green yuzuri leaves on a dark green ground.

The museum is at 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Hours are noon-5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $3; $1.50 for senior citizens and students with ID. For more information, call (818) 449-2742.