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Japanese Lacquered Maki-e Fubako Edo Period

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A Japanese lacquered wood fubako (a box used to store document or small scroll painting), circa second half of 19th century late Edo period. The rectangular box features an unusually deep lipped lid with slightly rounded corners, a conforming lower box that is almost entirely covered by the lid which has two bronze medallion rings with tasseled silk ties. The surface of the fubako was elaborately decorated with hiramaki-e (low relief maki-e) and Takamaki-e (high relief) in gold with small silver inlays and ink paint in the lower part of the lid. The design showcases a wooded mountainous landscape with a water wheel hut by a rushing stream. The stream was rendered in black paint with comb-scratched golden highlight, a decorative technique from early period. Some leaves were likely highlighted in silver maki-e but now have oxidated to black. Motifs such as the rocks by the stream and pine tree trunks were raised in Takamaki-e to give more dimension. Gold kirigane squares were used as inlays on top to highlight the texture. The design continues and cascades down to the sides of the lid that nearly covers all the lower box to the base. The interior of both parts and the exterior of the lower box were finished in a dense nashiji and it shows expected sun fading along contour of the lid. Gold fundame traces along the rims.
Examining the fubako, it is evident that it was well used and of its original condition. The bronze chrysanthemum rings and the silk ropes appear original. The piece displays patina in places such as the interior corners of the lower box, consistent with long period of use.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	lacquer wood maki-e
Condition:	Good. Original antique condition with well used patina, including sun fading pattern, rubbing of the nashiji on the lower box and minute scattered dings and nicks along the edge. Base shows contact wear, all as shown.
Creation Date:	19th century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	627827

Dimensions

W.	9.75 in;	H.	2.6 in;	D.	4 in;
W.	24.77 cm;	H.	6.6 cm;	D.	10.16 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.