20th Century Lacquer

Two Japanese mother of pearl wood dishes, very beautiful pieces. Measures: Large one H 2” x L 13.5” x W 10”.

Set of bundai, ryoshibako and fudebako in wakasa lacquer with an old rose background and black traditional Japanese patterns. The saya pattern (or sayagata) is composed by Chinese svastikas. This symbol linked to Buddhism, mean intelligence, power and peace. It is a good omen sign. The kanoko pattern reminds stains on fawn back. The sakura (cherry blossom) pattern is emblematic of Japan. The blossoming in a short time marks spring beginning and is a symbol of renewal and ephemeral beauty. There are also traces of calligraphy brush, in reference to the function of the objects. Bundai is a low table used to put books or scrolls and, later, to write. Rectangular ryoshibako (letter and document box) with a slightly domed Fudebako (pencil case) of rectangular format very narrow in its length with two rounded corners, flat cover. Wakasa lacquerware...

A Japanese black lacquer box with mother of pearl inlays circa early 20th century, end of Meiji period. It was likely to be used to store inkstone or other scholarly items. The piece displays several interesting characteristics that appear puzzling initially. First, the form is not typical Japanese, but more Chinese and Korean, with its scalloped base. Second, the decoration of MOP inlays also suggests a Korean and Chinese affiliation, especially with the linear borders and the scrolling cloud patters on the sides of the box. These two observations suggest that the box may be from Ryukyu Island instead of Japanese mainland. Third, strikingly in the center of the cover, a bold quarterly floral pattern outlined with MOP was filled with a striking mottled red lacquer using tsugaru nuri...

Brush box (fudebako) is made of wood and lacquer. On the lid, lacquer decoration representing sagittarius, a flower inlaid with ceramic and a leaf inlaid (raden). Interior and base o...

The artist calls this vessel a flower basket in the calligraphy on the box. Showa period (1926-1989) black lacquer container in square form with notched c...

A stunningly attractive exceptionally large baluster shaped ‘Ryukyu Hariko’ (papier mâché) vase, masterfully decorated overall with hand painted images of a fruiting peach tree...

Small lacquered wooden box in the shape of an eggplant. Top of the fruit near the leaves painted with silver pigments. Interior painted with gold pigments, signature in the center pa...

This lacquer tray uses several lacquer techniques including multi-color painting of flowers, ito-me (thread pattern) and shell inlay. The artist was Shimano Sanshu (1877 - 1965). He ...

Showa Period (1926 - 1989) sculpture of a duck resting with its head tucked into its wings. Dry lacquer, or kanshitsu, is a process of layering and manipulating lacquer soaked cloth ...