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Japanese Lacquered Maki-e Poem Box Meiji Period

Offered by: Tishu

Description
An elongated rectangular lacquer box with fine Maki-e decoration dated to late Meiji period circa 1890-1900s. The box was traditionally designed to hold poem paper slips and is called Tanzaku Bako in Japanese. The elegant piece has a slightly arched form with a fitted lid. On a high polished black background, the lid was delicately decorated with gold Maki-e featuring a newly sprouted fern fiddlehead and small silver crocus blossoms, both herald the spring season. By combining the hiramaki-e with togidashi maki-e, a painstaking technique, and also use sparse gold powders spilled on the noire background, a light and dreamy visual effect was achieved. The interior and the base of the box was finished in a sparse nashiji.
The Tanzaku box is a great example of the type of literati pieces that highlights a simple composition yet conveys a strong poetic ambience. With large empty black space, the minimalistic approach is very effective, as what is not there is equally important with what is there.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	lacquer wood
Condition:	Good. Spotted light surface wear, hard to photograph due to the glossy reflective surface. Abrasion on the fundame rims (mostly on the interior corners) due to contact as shown. A couple of small dings on the base.
Creation Date:	1890-1900s
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Florals/Botanical, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	600069

Dimensions

W.	3.125 in;	H.	1.5 in;	D.	15.25 in;
W.	7.94 cm;	H.	3.81 cm;	D.	38.74 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.

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