Shibayama is a technique of inlay and relief work with stunning effects. It was named after Shibayama Dosho who introduced it in Japan in the 18th century. First depressions were carved into ivory surfaces which were then inlaid with precious materials such as mother of pearl, tortoise shell, coral, jade and paua shell in the shape of every day objects, flowers, insects and animals. Each inlay was engraved and sometimes consists of several small pieces of different materials. The Shibayama artefacts in our collection are restricted to whist markers (See Europe).