
Japanese Lacquer: Maki-e and Urushi from the Edo Period to Today
his collection highlights the refined art of Japanese lacquerware, featuring Maki-e and Urushi pieces from the Edo period to the present.
Each work—whether a writing box, tray, or ceremonial cup—is crafted through layers of natural lacquer and adorned with gold or silver powder in the Maki-e tradition. These pieces reflect the beauty of impermanence, the depth of handcraft, and the enduring elegance of Japanese design across centuries.
The "Shusse Goi" (Ascending Dragon-Carp) Grand Sakazuki. Artist: Shorinsai (松隣斎)

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Object #JLP226:
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Title: The "Shusse Goi" (Ascending Dragon-Carp) Grand Sakazuki
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Artist: Shorinsai (松隣斎) |
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Period:Meiji (Late 19th Century)
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Dimensions: D: 20.0 cm (7.87 inches)
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This extraordinary O-sakazuki (Grand Ceremonial Cup) is a rare survivor of the Meiji "Golden Age" of lacquer. Created by the recorded master Shorinsai, this 20cm piece was commissioned as a high-level presentation gift intended for display (kazari).
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Design & Symbolism The interior features a dynamic rendition of the "Carp Ascending the Waterfall" set against a lustrous vermilion (shu-nuri) ground. Rendered in radiant gold, the carp symbolizes the Legend of the Dragon Gate—where a fish leaping the falls transforms into a dragon—representing Shusse (career success and promotion).
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Technical Mastery: High-Relief Takamaki-e: The carp is sculpted in raised relief rather than flat paint, with scales defined by microscopic kirikane (cut gold foil) for a shimmering, lifelike vitality.Structural Perfection: Built on a hon-kiji (true wood) substrate aged to prevent warping, the piece remains perfectly flat after nearly 130 years.
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Provenance Note: Works by Shorinsai are recorded in the prestigious Edward Wrangham and Webster Collections.
Gold Lacquer Sakazuki (Sake Cup) Depicting the Yamamoto-ya. Shibayama Sōichi 芝山宗一
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Object Number: #JLP632
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Title: Gold Lacquer Sakazuki (Sake Cup) Depicting the Yamamoto-ya
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Place of Origin: Japan
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Artist: Shibayama Sōichi (芝山宗一) & Yamaoka Tesshū (山岡鉄舟)
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Period: Meiji Period (明治時代)
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Date: Circa 1870–1888
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Materials: Wood substrate, gold takamaki-e (high-relief lacquer), kirigane (cut gold foil), red lacquer, ink on paulownia wood (tomobako)
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Style or Ware: Shibayama Lacquer (芝山漆器)
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Dimensions: - D: 8.5 cm - H: 3.4 cm
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Department: Works of Art / Japanese Lacquer
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Collection: Japanese Collection
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Description: A museum-quality ceremonial sake cup (sakazuki) executed in exquisite high-relief gold lacquer (takamaki-e). The intricate interior landscape portrays a panoramic night view of the historic Yamamoto-ya tea house on the banks of the Sumida River. The architecture is rendered with microscopic precision, utilizing kirigane (mosaic gold foil squares) to texture the roof tiles, while figures in Edo-period attire stroll beneath a lantern prominently displaying the "Yamamoto" (山本) name. The reverse is finished in a flawless, deep red lacquer.
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Note: This piece features an extraordinary dual provenance. The accompanying tomobako (original wooden box) is inscribed by the legendary Meiji-era swordsman and statesman Yamaoka Tesshū (山岡鉄舟), who brushed the title "Yamamoto" alongside his signature and kaō (cypher). Furthermore, the original ukon-fu (protective cloth) bears the red seal of lacquer master Shibayama Sōichi (芝山宗一). The alignment of elite artistic mastery with a historically verifiable, site-specific attestation makes this a uniquely significant cultural artifact.
Late Edo Period Rinpa-Style Ryōshibako Document Box with Silver Rims.

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Object Number: #JLB520
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Title: A large Rinpa Document Box, Bunko-Bako
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Edo period, 19th century
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Dimensions: D:41.0 cm W: 32.0 cm H:14.0 cm
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Description A masterpiece of the Rinpa Revival, this large document box (Ryōshibako) features the classical "Ivy and Bamboo Trellis" (Tsuta ni Take-gaki) motif from The Tales of Ise. The design is executed in high-relief gold takamaki-e, accented by thick raden (mother-of-pearl) and oxidized silver/lead textures that pay homage to the aesthetic of Ogata Kōrin. The interior surfaces are finished in a deep, dense nashiji (gold pear-skin) ground.
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Note: Distinguished by Silver Rims (Fukurin) on all three levels—the lid, the rare original fitted tray (kakego), and the deep body. This structural feature is the defining mark of Daimyo Konrei Chōdo (Feudal Lord Wedding Trousseau), confirming this was created for a high-ranking aristocrat rather than for export.
Imperial Presentation "Restoration of Honor" Tenpai (Sakazuki) & Conferment Document

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Object Number: #JLP461
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Dimensions: D: 15.2cm | H: 5.3cm
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Date: Meiji 3 (1870), April 15
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Description: A museum-quality vermilion lacquer Sakazuki commissioned by the Imperial Household. The vessel features a rare double-sided (Ryō-men) design executed in high-relief gold (Takamaki-e): the obverse displays the Minogame (Flaming Tortoise) beneath ancient pines, while the reverse reveals a hidden Ise-ebi (Spiny Lobster). Together, they symbolize "Universal Longevity" across land and sea.
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Historical Provenance: This set is a primary historical record of the "Vindication of the Ansei Loyalists." The accompanying Imperial Conferment Roll (Mokuroku) confirms the recipient as Count Hamuro Nagakuni and lists him alongside the famous Foreign Minister Sawa Nobuyoshi. Both were members of the "Ansei 88," a group of nobles punished for defending the Throne in 1858. This cup was Emperor Meiji's personal gift to officially restore their honor. With the Original wooden Tomobako.
Imperial Presentation "Restoration of Honor" Tenpai (Sakazuki) & Conferment Document

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Object Number: # JLT611
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Title: Large Ryukyuan Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Octagonal Tray with "Literati Gathering" Design
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Place of Origin: Ryukyu Kingdom (present-day Okinawa Prefecture, Japan)
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Artist: Ryukyu Royal Government Workshops (Kaizuri-bugyō)
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Period: Mid-Edo Period (Japan) / Qing Dynasty Context
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Date: 18th Century (c. 1750–1800)
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Materials: Black Lacquer (Roio) on Deigo Wood (Erythrina variegata); Inlay of Great Green Turban Shell (Yakogai); Gold powder details; Ground layer of burnt coral/shell powder (Ryukyu-gossu).
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Style or Ware: Ryukyu Raden (琉球螺鈿) / Karamono Style (Chinese Taste)
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Dimensions:W: 66.0 cm (vertex to vertex), W (Min): 62.0 cm (edge to edge)
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Department: Lacquerware / Ryukyu Arts
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Collection: Japanese Collection
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Description: A monumental "Two Shaku" (Ni-shaku) presentation tray of octagonal form, likely commissioned for tribute or Daimyo-level diplomatic exchange. The central panel depicts a classic "Literati Gathering" (Rōkaku Sansui Jinbutsu-zu) set against a black lacquer ground. A scholar sits within a pavilion observing a lake, attended by servants preparing tea, while a boat containing further figures approaches from the right. The scene includes auspicious symbols: cranes, deer, and pine trees detailed with fine gold inlay (Chinkin or Makie). The central scene is framed by a broad border featuring a Ryukyuan "Geometric Net" or "Basket Weave" pattern (Amime), distinct from Chinese floral borders. The reverse is finished in a reddish-brown lacquer, possibly Shunkei-style.
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Note: Forensic Analysis: The tray retains exceptional flatness at 66cm, confirming the use of a single-piece Deigo wood core typical of high-status Ryukyuan ware.
Uchino Kaoru - 内野 薫 (b. 1951) Wajima Nuri Suzuribako

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Object Number: #JL338
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Title: Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Coastal Landscape and Drying Nets
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Origin: Japan
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Artist: Uchino Kaoru - 内野 薫 (b. 1951)
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Period: Heisei period (1989–2019), late 20th century.
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Materials: Polished black lacquer (roiro) on wood; decoration in gold and silver maki-e (sprinkled metal powder), taka-maki-e(raised relief), and nashiji (pear-skin ground).
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Dimensions:
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Department: Japanese
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Art Collection: Decorative Arts
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Note: A museum-grade writing box in mint condition featuring a classical sansui (landscape) in taka-maki-e (high-relief gold) on a roiro (mirror-black) ground. The interior reveals a luxurious nashiji (gold-flake) finish. Created by Uchino Kaoru (b. 1951), a Japan Kōgei Association member renowned for his commissions for the Ise Grand Shrine and the Imperial Family.
Edo Period Clothing Tray, Midare- Bako

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Object Number: #JL343
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Title: Square Incense Tray (Kōbon) with Pine Motif and Metal Rim
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Place of Origin: Japan (日本)
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Artist: Unknown
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Period: Edo Period (江戸時代)
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Date: 18th - 19th Century
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Materials: Lacquered wood, genuine gold maki-e (本金蒔絵), nashiji (梨子地), metal rim (fukurin 覆輪)
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Style or Ware: Maki-e Lacquerware (蒔絵漆器)
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Dimensions: L: 25.5 cm W: 24.0 cm H: 3.5 cm
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Department: Japanese Lacquerware
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Collection: Japanese Collection
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Description: An Edo period square incense tray (kōbon 香盆) utilized in the Japanese incense ceremony (Kōdō 香道). The interior and exterior are decorated with a continuous, dynamic pine tree (matsu 松) executed in high-quality gold maki-e over a deep black roiro ground. The underside is finished in dense, luxurious nashiji (pear-skin lacquer). Notably, the upper lip is fitted with a textured metal rim (fukurin 覆輪) featuring diagonal striations, designed to protect the fragile edges and provide elegant material contrast.
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Note: The combination of the nashiji base, continuous maki-e design, and the applied fukurin metal rim indicates a high-status ceremonial implement. Accompanied by a protective wooden storage box (hako 箱).
Black Lacquer Jikirō with Gagaku Instruments and Autumn Maple Design

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Object Number: #JL229
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Title: Black Lacquer Jikirō with Gagaku Instruments and Autumn Maple Design.
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Place of Origin: Japan
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Period: Meiji Period (1868–1912) – Taishō Period (1912–1926)
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Date: 19th-20th Century
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Materials: Lacquer with gold and silver on wood
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Dimensions: D: 19.0cm - H: 9.0cm
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Department: Japanese Art
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Collection: Decorative Arts
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Note: With the Original Signed wooden tomobako storage box. A circular jikirō (food container) constructed of turned wood and finished in high-quality roiro-urushi (polished black lacquer). The form is lenticular with a fitted cover.
Large Meiji Period Urushi Makie Tea kaiseki Table Tray

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Object Number: #JLT515
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Title: Black Lacquer Footed Tray (Zen) with Scattered Fan (Senmen-chirashi) Maki-e
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Place of Origin: Japan (日本)
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Artist: Unsigned (Attributed to a high-level lacquer workshop)
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Period: Meiji (明治時代) to Taisho Period (大正時代)
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Date: Late 19th – Early 20th Century
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Materials: Wood core (Mokushin 木心), Black Lacquer (Kuro-urushi 黒漆), Gold Powder (Maki-e 蒔絵)
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Style or Ware: Maki-e Lacquerware (蒔絵漆器)
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Dimensions: W: 70 cm - D: 44 cm - H: 20 cm
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Department: Japanese Works of Art
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Collection: Japanese Collection
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Description: This exquisite rectangular footed tray (zen 膳) is crafted with a pristine black lacquer ground (kuro-urushi黒漆) utilizing the highly polished roiro-migaki (呂色磨き) technique. Elevated on four graceful neko-ashi (猫足) cabriole legs, the tray's edges and frieze are decorated in finely executed gold maki-e (蒔絵). The design features the classical Rinpa-style (琳派) senmen-chirashi (扇面散らし) or "scattered fans" motif, with each fan enclosing traditional seasonal flora (kacho-fugetsu 花鳥風月) such as bamboo (take 竹) and maple (momiji 紅葉). The exceptional precision of the gold application, particularly the delicate fan ribs and the crisp, continuous gold rim, indicates production by a master lacquer studio for elite presentation or dining.
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Note: Accompanied by a traditional wooden storage box (tomobako 共箱) bearing an inventory or series mark on the side.
Bundai Writing Table with Autumn Grasses and Moon.

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Object Number: #JLT255
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Title: Bundai Writing Table with Autumn Grasses and Moon.
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Attribution: Style of Ogata Kōrin (Rinpa School); Late Edo / Meiji Period (19th C.)
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Place of Origin: Japan
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Period: Late Edo / Meij Period
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Date: 19th Century
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Materials: Lacquer with gold and silver on wood
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Dimensions: L:51.3 W:34.5 H:11.8cm
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Department: Japanese Art
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Collection: Decorative Arts
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Note: Signature: 光琳 (Kōrin) | Seal: 方祝 (Hōshuku) Materials: Gold nashiji lacquer, takamaki-e, pewter (namari), mother-of-pearl (raden)
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Description: A rectangular low writing table executed in a high-gloss gold nashiji ground. The design follows the classic Rinpa tradition, depicting the "Musashino" plain with autumn grasses (arrowroot and bush clover) and a full moon. The moon is inlaid in oxidized pewter, contrasting with the vibrant abalone shell foliage and raised gold maki-e vines. This piece is a high-level 19th-century revival work paying homage to the Ogata lineage. It features the specific "Hōshuku" seal associated with Kōrin’s late period masterpieces and demonstrates exceptional technical skill in the difficult integration of heavy metal and shell inlays.
Large Shu-urushi Red Lacquer Sakazuki with Triad of Cranes
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Object Number: #JLB462
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Title: Large Shu-urushi (Red Lacquer) Sakazuki with Cranes
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Artist: Heisensai (Hirakawa-sai) 平川齋 作
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Signed: Heisensai Saku (平川齋作)
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Period: Meiji Period (Late 19th Century)
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Dimensions: D: 14.2 cm (5.59 in) | H: 3.3 c
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Description: A striking presentation-quality sake cup (or display tray) executed in vibrant vermilion lacquer. The interior features a dynamic triad of Red-crowned Cranes in high relief (takamaki-e). The design masterfully utilizes silver and gold powders and mosaic-cut gold foil (kirikane) to create rich texture against the glossy red ground
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Note: Works by Hirakawa-sai are held in the prestigious Tachibana Daimyo collection. (Note: This artist is frequently misidentified in Western museum databases as "Heisensai Jokyu" due to a historic translation error).
Large Gold Lacquer Formal Presentation Tray (Hirobuta)
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Object Number: #JL232
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Title: Large Gold Lacquer Formal Presentation Tray (Hirobuta) with Pine and Crane Design
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Place of Origin: Japan
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Artist: Unknown
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Period: Meiji Period
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Date: 1894 (Meiji 27)
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Materials: Black Urushi (Ro-iro finish), gold powder, wood
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Style or Ware: Lacquerware (Maki-e)
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Dimensions: - W: 46cm x 33.5cm H: 6.0cm
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Department: Japanese Art
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Collection: Japanese Collection
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Large Gold Lacquer Formal Presentation Tray (Hirobuta) Origin: Japan Period: Meiji Period, Dated 1894 (Meiji 27)
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Materials: Black Urushi (Ro-iro finish), gold powder, wood
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Description: A formal presentation vessel (Hirobuta) featuring the auspicious Matsu-ni-Tsuru (Pine and Crane) motif executed in gold maki-e on a black lacquer ground. The classical design symbolizes longevity and is rendered with the precise brushwork characteristic of high-ranking ceremonial ware.
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Tomobako (Original Box): The box lid exterior is inscribed Hirobuta Ichimen (One Formal Presentation Tray) and Hon Toyota Sei (Main Toyota Family). The interior lid bears a precise date of June 1894 (Meiji 27) and identifies the specific owner as Toyota Kihei.
Meiji Era Maki-e Tray Hobon

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Object Number: #JL337
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Title: Meiji Era Maki-e Tray Hobon Traditional hand painted Maki-e in, gold and silver.
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Place of Origin: Japan
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Period: Meij Era (1868-1912)
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Date: 19th Century
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Materials: Lacquer with gold on wood
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Dimensions: L: 36.2cm W: 24.2cm H: 2.5cm
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Department: Japanese Art
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Collection: Decorative Arts
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Note: With the Original Signed wooden tomobako storage box.
Edo Period Wajima Lacquer Bowls Set
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Object Number: #JLB261
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Title: Set of Five Suimono Bowls with 53 Stations of the Tōkaidō (東海道五十三次図蒔絵吸物椀)
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Place of Origin: Kyoto or Edo, Japan
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Artist: Unsigned (Master Lacquer Workshop / Nurishi 塗師)
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Period: Late Edo Period (Bakumatsu 幕末)
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Date: c. 1850–1868
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Materials: Wood substrate, Roiro-nuri (黒呂色塗) black lacquer, Takamaki-e (高蒔絵) raised gold, Nashiji (梨子地) pear-skin gold dust, Vermilion (朱) lacquer
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Style or Ware: Kumimono (組物) / Wan-gumi (椀組) Lacquerware
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Dimensions: D: 12.5 cm H: 9.0 cm
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Department: Works of Art / Japanese Lacquerware
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Collection: Romang Collection
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Description: A rare, complete set of five suimono (clear soup) bowls. The high-lustre roiro ground is richly decorated with raised gold takamaki-e and nashiji depicting selected "Famous Views" (Meisho 名所) from the Tōkaidō road, directly inspired by Utagawa Hiroshige's 1833 woodblock series. The dynamic figures, accented in vivid vermilion, and the meticulous rendering of landscapes—including Mount Fuji at Satta Pass—indicate a high-ranking domestic commission for a wealthy merchant (Chōnin 町人) or samurai household.
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Note: Excellent preservation with original roiro gloss intact. A highly unusual survival of a functional, narrative dining set from the Bakumatsu era.
Edo Period Wajima Lacquer Bowls Set

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Object Number: #JL615
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Title: Black Lacquer Tanzaku Set with "Mankai" Chrysanthemum Design (黒塗沈金菊文短冊箱)
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Place of Origin: Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
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Artist: Konishi Keisuke (小西啓介)
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Period: Late Showa to Heisei Period (Late 20th Century)
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Date: c. 1980s–1990s
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Materials: Polished Black Lacquer (Ro-iro Urushi), Gold Powder, Wood
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Style or Ware: Wajima-nuri / Chinkin (Gold Inlay)
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Dimensions:
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H: 5.1 cm
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W: 39.7 x 10.2 cm
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Department: Japanese Lacquer
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Collection: The Romang Collection
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Description: A pristine three-piece Wajima-nuri tanzaku (poem slip) set featuring a "Mankai" (full bloom) Chrysanthemum (Kiku) design in Chinkin (gold inlay). Created by Nitten Judge Konishi Keisuke, the work utilizes Sengaki (fine line) engraving for the radiating petals and Tenbori (stippling) for the atmospheric background, set against a flawless Ro-iro (mirror-black) lacquer ground. The set includes a deep base, suspended tray (kakego),
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Note: Condition: Mint. Accessories: Includes original signed paulownia box (tomobako) and original bright orange turmeric wrapping cloth (ukon-fu). Box Inscription: Wajima-nuri Chinkin Kiku Tanzaku-bako / Shitsugei Konishi Keisuke.
A cup (Sakazuki) with Design of Four Playing Horses. Edo period (1603–1868)
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Object Number: #JLP330
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Title: Sake Cup (Sakazuki) with Design of Free-Roaming Horses (Hanakoma-zu)
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Place of Origin: Japan (日本)
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Artist: Unattributed (無銘)
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Period: Late Edo Period (江戸時代後期)
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Date: 18th–19th Century
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Materials: Turned Wood Core (Kiji 木地), Vermilion Lacquer (Shu-urushi 朱漆), Gold and Silver Maki-e (蒔絵), Cut Gold Foil (Kirikane 切金)
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Style or Ware: Maki-e Lacquerware (蒔絵漆器)
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Dimensions: D: 10.2 cm H: 2.3 cm
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Department: Japanese Lacquerware
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Collection: Japanese Collection
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Description: A ceremonial vermilion lacquer sake cup (sakazuki 盃) from the late Edo period, featuring a dynamic maki-e(蒔絵) composition of four free-roaming horses (hanakoma 放駒). The horses—classical symbols of vitality and sacred messengers (shinme 神馬)—are rendered in varying tones of gold and oxidized silver dust to create spatial depth. The piece is elevated by a rocky embankment meticulously textured using the demanding kirikane (切金) technique (the precise application of individually cut squares of gold foil), a hallmark of elite Edo-period lacquer workshops like Kajikawa or Koma.
Large Negoro Lobed Tray

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Object Number: #JLB809
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Title: Large Negoro Lobed Tray
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Place of Origin: Japan
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Period: Probably Late Edo–Early Meiji period (c. 1800–1880)
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Date:
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Materials: Wood with coatings of red over black lacquer (Negoro ware)
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Dimensions: D: 36.0cm H: 7.0cm
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Department: Japanese Art
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Collection: Decorative Arts
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Note: A large, lobed Negoro-style tray finished in deep vermilion red lacquer over a black underlayer, displaying the soft, natural wear characteristic of long use in the Japanese temple tradition. The broad circular center is framed by a twelve-petal lobed rim, a classical form associated with Edo-period lacquer workshops. The underside retains its original matte black lacquer, showing authentic age and handling marks.
Black lacquered chrysanthemum maki-e gift tray with silver edge

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Object Number: #JLT458
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Title: Black lacquered chrysanthemum maki-e gift tray with silver edge
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Place of Origin: Japan
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Artist:
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Period:
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Date:
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Materials: Lacquer with gold and silver on wood
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Dimensions: L: 33.8cm W: 23.8cm
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Department: Japanese
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Art Collection: Decorative Arts
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Note: With the Original Signed wooden tomobako storage box.
Large Urushi Makie Table Tray

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Object Number: #JLT514
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Title:
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Place of Origin: Japan
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Artist:
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Period:
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Date:
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Materials: Lacquer with gold and silver on wood
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Dimensions: L: 55.0cm W: 39.0cm H: 14.5cm
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Department: Japanese
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Art Collection: Decorative Arts
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Note: With the Original Signed wooden tomobako storage box.
Tray with Fern Motif, Taisho, Showa Era.

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Object Number: #JLT517
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Title:
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Place of Origin: Japan
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Artist:
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Period:
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Date:
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Materials: Lacquer with gold and silver on wood
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Dimensions: L: 29.0cm W:29.0cm H:4.5cm
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Department: Japanese
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Art Collection: Decorative Arts
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Note: With the Original Signed wooden tomobako storage box.
Ro-iro Lacquer Takatsuki with Minogame Maki-e
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Object Number: #JLT228
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Title: Black Lacquer Takatsuki with Minogame Maki-e
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Period: Late Edo to Early Meiji Period (19th Century)
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Dimensions: H: 11 cm | D: 17 cm
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Material: Ro-iro (Polished Black Lacquer) on Wood, Gold Powder
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Description A refined footed serving stand (takatsuki) intended for the presentation of sweets (kashiki). The piece features a lustrous black ground decorated in hira-maki-e (flat sprinkled gold) with the motif of the Minogame—the legendary "straw-raincoat turtle." Depicted with trailing algae tails, these creatures are classical auspicious symbols representing longevity (chōju) and 10,000 years of life. The restrained composition and use of negative space reflect the sophisticated aesthetics of 19th-century Japanese lacquer arts.
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Note: With the Original Signed wooden tomobako storage box.
Extra large Maki-e Lacquer Bowl.

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Object Number: #JBL463
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Title: Monumental Red Lacquer Presentation Bowl (Ō-sakazuki)
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Place of Origin: Japan
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Artist: Signed Eishō (永正)
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Period: Meiji (明治) to Early Shōwa (昭和)
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Date: Late 19th – Mid 20th Century
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Materials: Red lacquer (urushi, 漆) on wood core, gold and metallic powders
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Style or Ware: Takamaki-e (高蒔絵)
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Dimensions: - D: 36.5 cm - H: 12.5 cm
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Department: Japanese Art
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Collection: Japanese Collection
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Description: A monumental ceremonial presentation bowl (ō-sakazuki, 大杯). The interior features a dynamic seascape executed in high-relief takamaki-e (高蒔絵). Three-dimensional crashing waves (nami, 波) and rocky outcroppings were sculpted using a mixture of raw lacquer and powder (sabi, 錆), then meticulously finished with varying tones of gold against a pristine red ground. Signed "Eishō saku" (永正作) on the base.
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Note: The signature "Eishō" belongs to a highly skilled but historically undocumented independent studio. The scholarly merit of this piece is established by its exceptional 36.5 cm scale, flawless condition, and masterful execution of complex high-relief lacquer techniques.
Meiji Ceremonial Lacquer: The "Cultivated Nature" Sakazuki Set.

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Object Number: #JBL
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Period: Meiji Period (1868–1912) Origin: Japan Dimensions: [Insert Diameter] cm Material: Vermilion Lacquer (Shu-urushi), Gold Dust (Maki-e), Wood.
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Description: A pristine Mitsugumi (three-tiered) set of ceremonial sake cups with their original Haidai (pedestal stand), executed in high-gloss vermilion lacquer.
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The decorative motif, rendered in precision Takamaki-e (raised gold relief), features the theme of "Hachi-no-ki" (Potted Trees). This design choice elevates the botanical subject from wild nature to the refined, curated aesthetic of the tea room. The set depicts the progression of the auspicious seasons:
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The Spring Cup: Featuring the Azalea (Tsutsuji) in a rectangular planter.
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The Autumn Cup: Displaying the Imperial Chrysanthemum (Kiku) in a geometric vessel.
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The Winter Cup: Presenting the Adonis (Fukujusō), the traditional harbinger of wealth for the New Year.
Yakumo-nuri Lacquer Shikishi-bako Design of Haze with Raden Inlay
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Object Number: #JBL
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Yakumo-nuri Lacquer Shikishi-bako (Poem Card Box)
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Attribution: Attributed to Yamamoto Shitsugeiten (Matsue, Shimane Pref.)
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Period: Mid-Showa
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Period (c. 1950s–1970s)
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Description: A paulownia wood storage box for shikishi, decorated in the Yakumo-nuri technique. The lid features a botanical design of the Haze (Rhus succedanea) in autumn foliage, executed in colored lacquer (e-urushi) under a transparent topcoat. The berries are inlaid with mother-of-pearl (raden) to capture their natural white, waxy luster.
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Significance: This piece represents the orthodox tradition of the Yamamoto workshop, the primary preserver of the Yakumo-nuri style. The motif serves as a cultural homage to Matsue’s history, referencing the region's two famous Edo-period exports: lacquerware and vegetable wax (mokurō) harvested from the Haze plant.
Wajima-nuri Tessen Maki-e Tosoki Ceremonial Sake Set
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Object Number: #JBL635
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Title: Wajima Lacquer Toso Set with Clematis (Tessen) Design
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Place of Origin: Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
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Artist: Tanaka Kazuo (田中 一男)
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Period: Late Shōwa to Heisei Period
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Date: c. 1980–1990s
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Materials: Natural Lacquer (Urushi), Wood, Gold Powder (Maki-e)
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Style or Ware: Wajima-nuri
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Dimensions:
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Tray - D: cm W: cm H: cm. Ewer - H: cm
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Department: Japanese Lacquerware
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Collection: Japanese Collection
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Description: A complete formal Tosoki (ceremonial spiced sake set) tailored for the New Year (O-shogatsu). The suite comprises a Chōshi (ewer) with metal-rimmed spout, a tiered Sakazuki (three-cup set) in vermilion lacquer, a Sakazuki-dai (cup stand) featuring openwork "Genji" windows, a footed serving tray, and matching Meimei-zara (individual plates).
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The set is finished in rigorous Ro-iro (wax-polished black lacquer), utilizing the distinct Wajima Jinoko (diatomaceous earth) undercoating for durability. The surface is decorated with the Tessen (Clematis florida) motif in gold Hira-maki-e(flat sprinkled gold) and E-nashiji (pictorial pear-skin gold). The "Iron Wire" (Tessen) vine is an auspicious symbol of unbreakable bonds and moral fortitude.
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Note: Signed Kazuo (一男) with the artist’s square red seal reading Tanaka Kazuo (田中一男). This work is frequently misattributed in the secondary market to the artist Saka Kazuo due to the identical given name; however, forensic analysis of the seal script confirms the identity as the Wajima studio master Tanaka Kazuo. The condition is mint, preserved in the original Tomobako.
Hotaru Maki-e Kōgō - Shintani Seihō

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Object Number: #JBL
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Artist: Shintani Seihō (新谷清峯)
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Origin: Yamanaka/Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
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Period: Late 20th Century (Shōwa/Heisei)
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Technique: Black lacquer (Urushi), Gold Maki-e, Abalone shell inlay (Raden)
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Dimensions: Approximately 7.5 cm (Diameter)
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Authentication: Original signed and sealed Paulownia wood box (Tomobako)
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This exquisite Hotaru (Firefly) Maki-e Kōgō is a masterful expression of summer’s ephemeral beauty, crafted by the renowned Yamanaka lacquer artist Shintani Seihō (b. 1930). Using the deep, lustrous black of traditional urushi to represent the midnight air, Seihō depicts fireflies dancing among gold-dusted reeds.
