A rare scroll painting using Japanese lacquer on silk by Tojima Kofu (1882-1946). Typically, mineral pigments and sumi ink are used to produce Japanese paintings on a silk or paper base. However, during the Meiji period (1868-1912) artists began to use lacquer to produce interesting works of art on silk. The noted artist, Shibata Zeshin was one artist who skillfully used lacquer to create interesting landscapes paintings. Tojima Kofu is a lacquer artist who specialized in Kyoto style lacquer...

The pair of red lacquered decorated with sumptuous makie or gold painted motifs are used in Japan for celebratory occasions or during festivals. According to the name in Japan, Ozen sara, the plates are used with the ozen or tray used to serve a full course meal. The tray contains motifs of pine and bamboo with either a crane or a pheasant-like bird. Age: 19th century, Edo Period. Size: Smaller Plate: Height 1.75" Diameter: 7.75" Large plate: Height 2" Diameter 9.25"

Sumptuous rolling hills in the distance glittering in silver and gold with trees swaying in the slight breeze describe the scenery shown in this writing box produced by Hayashi Kuhei. Sir Ernest Satow mentions Kuhei's name in his diaries possibly mentioning about one of the many World Exhibitions or World Fairs that were held during the 1870-1910 period...

Superb and refined in its design, this cigar box was produced by the noted lacquer ware firm, Nishimura Zohiko in Kyoto. The view is the three most beautiful landscapes in Japan which are: Miyajima in Hiroshima, Matsushima in Sendai, and Ama no Hashidate in Northern Kyoto Prefecture. The box contains a tray to display the cigars.

Age: Meiji Period 1868-1912

Size: height 3.25" width 5.25" length 7.25"

A decorative wooden lacquered piece to prop a folding screen or to upraise a screen, giving it additional height. These folding screen stands were often used to raise small screens and to give screens some airflow especially if used in damp rooms. The stands are carved in a closed folding fan style and are decorated in makie, motifs of plum branches.

Set of three.

Age: 20th century.

Size: Length: 13" Width 1.75" Height 1.75".

The production of a dry lacquer ink stone is an extremely laborious effort. Layer upon layer of lacquer is needed to create the structure and form of the ink stone and the concave area is carved out. This ink stone is done in a method where each layer is utilizing a different color of lacquer. When the ink stone is carved the layer of lacquer produces a wood ring like pattern. Controlling the formation and design of the pattern requires experience and skill...

A small kobako decorated with polychrome lacquer of motif of cherry blossoms and a pair of pigeons perched on a branch. The interior of the box is done in brown lacquer. Pigeons for centuries were considered to be the messengers of the Hachiman deity. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu's framed calligraphy that adorns the gate of the shrine is thought to appear in the form of pigeons.

20th century.

Length 7" width 4" height 1.5"

A stylish and well crafted gourd flower container with black lacquer coated with the interior of the container. The vase comes with a tomobako with the inscription by the artist.

Age: Meiji Period.

Height: 9.25" diameter: 3.25"

A set of a bowl, tray, and chopsticks all done in Japanese lacquer and makie. The makie or gold painted designs contain motifs of willows and sparrows. The motif in general evoke the feel of late spring.

Age: Meiji Period.

Size: Bowl: diameter: 6.5" height: 3.5" Tray: length and width: 8" height: 0.75" Chopsticks: length : 8.25" width : 0.5" height: 0.25"