Zohiko is a lacquerware specialty store in Kyoto, which was founded in the first year of Kanbun (1661). In 1661 (the 1st year of Kanbun), Zoge-ya, the predecessor of Zohiko, started its operation to sell lacquer goods for daily use. Nishimura Hikobei III was the master craftsman who was granted the title, “Makie-tsukasa” (master of maki-e—an Urushi lacquer technique that involves sprinkling gold and/or silver powder on lacquer), by the Emperor. In his later years, he created the maki-e panel “Fugen Bodhisattva on a white elephant”. Its beauty attracted lots of people in Kyoto, and they called it the “Zohiko panel” (“Zo” from “Zoge-ya” and “Hiko” from “Hikobei”). Since then, the nickname “Zohiko” has been familiar to everyone. Hikobei IV was appointed as a purveyor to the Sento Imperial Palace (the imperial palace of an abdicated emperor). Hikobei VI was proficient in an elegant art, and produced a number of excellent articles such as tea utensils for grand masters of Japanese tea ceremonies. Hikobei VIII exported lacquerware and was considered a pioneer of the lacquerware trade. He also established Kyoto Maki-e Art School and contributed to nurturing the younger generation.