Accessory Box with Prunus Blossom Design (T-4891)

Takamura Hyōkei and Jitaku (ac 1930s–1950s)
Accessory Box with Prunus Blossom Design, 1930s
Size 5¼ x 12 x 9½ in. (13 x 30.5 x 24.5 cm)

A tebako (accessory box) of standard rounded rectangular form with slightly bowed top and sides and inrōbuta (flush-fitting) lid, the exterior covered in a pinkish lacquer likely derived from titanium (regularly used at this period) with decoration of stylized prunus blossoms and stems in gold and silver hiramaki-e and takamaki-e lacquer and other materials, the riser and interiors black lacquer sprinkled with hirame flakes of a whitish metal, the rims silver

Comes with a wood tomobako storage box inscribed outside Baika moyō tebako (Accessory box with prunus-blossom design); signed inside: Shitsugei Hyōkei saku Jitaku saku (Lacquer art by Hyōkei and Jitaku) with seals Takamura, Kei, Jitaku

Takamura Hyōkei was based in Ishikawa Prefecture during its rise to prominence as a leading center for innovative lacquer art and showed his work at national exhibitions from 1934 to 1946. His use of titanium reflects the pervasive influence of Yamazaki Kakutarō (1899–1984), an innovative artist who taught at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts.