Japanese Lacquerware Fubako Edo Period
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Description
A Japanese lacquered wood fubako (a box to store document or small scroll painting) circa 19th century late Edo period. The rectangular box features a deep lipped lid, an inner tray and two bronze side rings where silk ropes were used to tie around the box. The surface of the fubako was elaborately decorated with hiramaki-e (low relief maki-e) in gold interspersed with abundant silver to showcase a poetic arrangement of plants and trees. A Japanese pine is clustered with swaying bamboos and a persimmon tree. Silver and rose gold powders were used to fill into the leaves and fruits alternatively to create a visual shift. Small silver squares were embedded into the tree trunks to create the texture of the bark, a technique called kirigane. The design continues and cascades down to all sides and contrasts dramatically with the kuro black background. On the cover and one side, a family crest was prominently featured and it is identified as the mon for the Tohyamafuji clan. The interior and inner tray is decorated in dense nashiji with the bases a much darker shade.
Examining the fubako, it is evident that it was well used and of its original condition. The bronze side rings are original as they bear the same Tohyamafuji clan mon. Among the general patina, there is a stable age crack along the lower left corner, many nicks and small losses along the edges, concentrated, naturally along the base. There seems no restoration has been attempted. It was probably used by the family for transporting documents in the course of many years. -
More Information
Origin: Japan Period: 19th Century Materials: wood lacquer Condition: Fair. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Original antique condition with well used patina, including a stable age crack, numerous small losses and nicks along the edges and corners as shown. Creation Date: 19th century Styles / Movements: Bespoke, Asian, Traditional Patterns: Asian/Oriental, Florals/Botanical Incollect Reference #: 403848 -
Dimensions
W. 16.5 in; H. 3.5 in; D. 4 in; W. 41.91 cm; H. 8.89 cm; D. 10.16 cm;
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