The brochure was produced in connection with an exhibition of Edo period (1615-1868) lacquer objects owned by the museum. Shown are writing boxes (suzuribako), a tray decorated with Daikoku’s hammer by Zeshin, a set of 12 incense containers of globular shape, each decorated and signed by another Taisho-period (1912-25) lacquer master, a sho flute, and a picnic-set.
Essay by Kakudo Yoshiko, entitled ‘Later Japanese Lacquers’, sub-titles ‘Surface Decoration’, ‘Writing Implements’, ‘Objects for Incense and Tea’, ‘Objects for Dressing’, etc., pp. 2-11.
Detailed list of the objects shown in the exhibition, measurements, inv.-no., etc., and Suggested Further Reading, pp. 12-14.

Lackkunst in Ostasien (East-Asian Lacquer Art) is one of the first overviews written in German language on the subject of lacquer. The book begins chronologically with illustrations of more than 2000 years old Chinese lacquer objects, continuing to Chinese, Japanese, and Korean lacquer boxes and screens of later epochs. Samples are shown of all kinds of techniques and styles, including lacquer paintings by Shibata Zeshin. The majority of objects shown here were owned by two rivalling industrial-lacquer producing companies: the Herberts and the Herbig-Haarhaus companies, in Wuppertal and Cologne, Germany. Owner and director of both companies were interested in lacquer art and began in 1937 to exhibit family treasures. Later they systematically bought lacquer objects at auctions and exhibitions. During the 2nd World War a large part of the Herberts collection, especially lacquered furniture, was destroyed. However, smaller items of Chinese and Japanese lacquer art, being easier to transport, and perhaps more precious, were stored in rural places and survived. Beatrix von Rague was responsible for the collection of one company during the years 1952-1959. Edith Straesser was responsible for the other company-owned lacquer museum from 1967 until 1987.
In 1982 the lacquer collections of Dr. Kurt Herberts were acquired by the BASF Lacke + Farben AG, who now exhibit them in their Museum of Lacquer Art in Muenster, Germany.
Appendix: Zeittafel (Table of Chinese dynasties, reigns of Japanese emperors, Korean eras, from 1600 B.C. to 1925 A.D.), pp. 356-359. Bibliography, pp. 360-364. Index, pp. 365-374, Museums and collections presented, p. 375. Table of contents, p. 376.

In fitted wooden box, 7 ½ x 7 ½ x 4 inches (19 x 19 x 10.2 cm), inscribed on the lid KÔRIN-sai-gahen-maki-e, ichimonji meimei-sara (Dishes individually decorated in KÔRIN style). Signed and sealed inside the lid HEIANDÔ & seal Heiandô, and Wanyo (?) & seal Wanyo.