A Rare & Unusual Japanese Lacquer Box. Style of Ritsuo. Edo period 18th. Century.

10 1/4 x 6 3/4 x 3 1/4 ins. (26 x 17.2 x 8.3 cms) The ground of this box is simulated wood grain which appears to be achieved by applying layers of reddish brown lacquer, carving the wood grain to a remarkable similarity to deeply etched, weathered wood and finishing off with a layers of black lacquer. The surface is then polished back to reveal the red/brown highlights against the black "furrows". The decoration is applied with high quality taka-makie (raised lacquer) with liberal application of kirigane, tiny applied squares of gold leaf. The head, legs and hands of the figure are inlaid in ivory. As can be seen in the photos, the interior, the tray and the base are gold nashiji with fundame edges.

The decoration illustrates the story of Koshohei, a legendary figure of Chinese origin. When he was 15 years old he led his herd of goats or sheep into the mountains and retired to a grotto for 40 years. His brother, Shoki, a priest, vowed to to find the missing shepherd. While walking in the mountains he met someone who told him of a recluse who he was able to find. He recognized his brother but was surprised at the absence of the goats or sheep. Koshohei then touched his staff on a series of white stones with which the ground was strewn and they turned into goats or sheep. (Hard to believe!)

The box has some condition problems. The thick wood grain lacquer has caused some warpage which has resulted in the sides of the lid becoming detached and re-stuck. The same has happened with the short ends of the base. There is some minor touching in of the gold fundame edges and there are various chips and bruises. As is almost always the case with old lacquer, some of the tiny kirigane squares are missing and there is wear to the figure. The rocks on the sides of the base have areas of gold missing. The tray has a minor crack in one end and several touched in chips. PLEASE INSPECT THE PHOTOS CAREFULLY.

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