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Antique Japanese Lacquer Kobako with Silver Inlays Edo Period

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A small and intricately decorated Japanese lacquer box Kobako from Edo period circa 18th century with possible lineage traced to Kishu Tokugawa family. The box was likely used to contain incense powder based on its size and shape. The rectangular form box with a fitted lid features rounded corners and the rim was fitted with silver sheath for protection. The surface was meticulously decorated with a garden scenery: a folding bamboo fence is placed along a creek. Along the banks, pine trees and blooming plum flowers grow between the boulders. Bands of clouds with kirigane flowing in the sky add a poetic ambience. In addition to nashiji on the background and hiramakie and combing effect to depict the water, takamaki-e was used extensively to create the dimensional bodies of rocks and tree trunks, further highlighted with kirigane inlays. The plum blossoms were created using individual silver inlays on the top surface as well as the side walls. Two silver characters in cursive Kanji were inlayed by the rocks. The characters appear to be "autumn" and "moon" although it is hard to be certain. Significantly, the origin of the box may be traceable. There are five Maruni-mitsubaaoi ("Circle Around Three Hollyhock Leaves"), the mon of the Kii branch of Tokugawa clan on the piece. The Kishū (alternative name for Kii) Tokugawa family is a branch of the Tokugawa clan based in Abe, Shizuoka. It was founded in 1619, when Tokugawa Yorinobu, 10th son of Tokugawa Leyasu, was appointed to rule Kii Province.
The interior and the base were covered in nashiji and there is also a hiramaki-e decoration of a flower bundle under the lid as well.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	18th Century
Materials:	lacquer wood silver gold leaves
Condition:	Good. Fine condition for antique lacquerware with expected patina. Rubbings on areas of takamaki-e, scattered losses of kirigane squares. Silver inlays appears all preserved in good order. Shelf ware on the base corner.
Creation Date:	18th century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Florals/Botanical, Geometric, Handmade, Textured
Incollect Reference #:	551388

Dimensions

W.	3.3 in;	H.	2.2 in;	D.	2.8 in;
W.	8.38 cm;	H.	5.59 cm;	D.	7.11 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion

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