Five matching boxes covered in black lacquer decorated with togidashi feathers in silver and gold enclosed in the original wooden box signed Shunji (active Meiji-Taisho period) and titled Hane-no-zu Maki-tabaco Shoshi (Feather decorated tabaco chest). Each faceted wood box has been covered in polished ink-black ro-iro lacquer, the diaphanous feathers then created on the surface with powdered gold and silver; then all is covered again in lacquer and polished through to reveal the design...

A breathtaking cup made from an egg cut and lacquered inside, then gilded with genuine gold, enclosed in the original signed age darkened kiri-wood box. It is 2-1/4 inches (5.5 cm) diameter and in perfect condition, dating from the Meiji period.

A splendid antique cut glass cup selected and decorated by contemporary female lacquer artist Arai Etsuko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Glass Maki-e Hai, Yoake (Glass Sake Cup named Breaking Dawn). She said that when she first saw the glass in a street market, she instantly envisioned how the engraved patterns could be accentuated by colors and powdered precious metals. Here an interesting comparison of techniques is possible...

Perhaps because of its proximity (or lack thereof) to central Japan, the beautiful lacquer wares of Akita may be lesser known than other regions. Here is an exquisite sake cup and katakuchi serer of turned wood covered in multiple layers of soft, black lacquer by Sato Fumiyuki of the Kawatsura lacquer tradition. A belt of gilded binding wrapping the body is the only decoration...

A sheer cascade of silver mist drops into the darkness beyond a golden outcrop harboring an ancient pine laden with blossoming wisteria vines. Togidashi, taka-maki-e and kirigane, this is a breathtaking box dating from the 19th to opening of the 20th century. Inside is elegantly decorated with drifting clouds of golden mist. Overall in excellent condition, enclosed in a period wooden box. It is 23 x 21.5 x 4.3 cm (9 x 8-1/2 x 1-3/4 inches).

A water-worn bowl of natural wood lacquered inside with black and gilded, leaving black lacquer on the rim, to create a startling contrast between the mirror like black, shining gold and ancient weathered wood. It is enclosed in a period wooden box titled Jidai Kihachi Sunabachi (antique Wooden Sunabachi Bowl). It measures 34.5 x 30 x 11 cm (14 x 12 x 4 inches). There are two hairline cracks in the gold (see photos).

A unique waterfall-like architectural lacquered sculpture by Okada Yuji presented at the 33rd National Modern Crafts Exhibition (Nihon Gendai Kogeiten) in 1994. It is created in a contemporary version of the centuries old technique known as Datsu-Kanshitsu. Datsu Kanshitsu is a type of dry lacquer technique wherein cloth or some other pliable material is laid over a wooden structure to create a form. Ofter many layers, creating a solid form, the framework is removed leaving the piece hollow...

An intriguing architectural sculpture by lacquer artist Okada Yuji exhibited at the 25th Gendai Kogeiten National Contemporary Crafts Exhibition in 1984. The wooden structure is edged with strips of pewter, the sculpted wings covered in red and black lacquer surrounding a field straight off the deep ocean floor or some alien landscape. The center is made of shitaji, a combination of powders and lacquer, carved and covered in Suzu-fun metalic dust...

A large modernist Sculpture covered in lacquer, polished metal and mother of pearl by Okada Yuji exhibited at the 1990 Gendai Kogeiten. Suzu-ita, Mother of Pearl and colored lacquers on Wood and Acrylic panel it is 80 x 42 x 18 cm (31-1/2 x 16-1/2 x 7 inches) and is in excellent condition. It comes with a wooden placard titled and signed by the artist...

An exquisite lacquer box by Imai Seitaro dating circa 1959 featuring multiple layers of colored lacques carved through with a design of grapes on the vine enclosed in the original signed double wood box (Niju-bako) titled Choshitsu Budo Moyo Shikishi Bako (Carved Lacquer Grape Design Poem Card Box). It is roughly 11 x 12 x 2 inches (27.5 x 30 x 4 cm) and is in fine condition...

A fine openwork Bamboo Flower Basket, Hanakago by Suzuki Gengesai (1891–1950) Kanto region ( influenced by Chikuunsai II). Made with lacquered madake bamboo strips. Original bamboo water container Otoshi, with red lacquer in the inside. Signed: made by Suzuki Gengesai (zo). Size:　H. 41.8cm W 18.3cm　L 19.2cm. Very good condition.

Set of Eight(8) Japanese different shades of Gold Maki lacquered covered bowls, Ca. late Meiji early 1900, 3 1/4" high include top or cover, 4 1/2" diameter top rim. Raised low relief design of Gold Maki Lacquered Ferns and other flowering plants behind rock garden in early spring on dark chocolate color of lacquer on wood. The beautiful and detailed fine Lacquer work was done two different shades of gold in different relief design continues to the cover, bottom and side...

Iyashiku mo tsune areba
hisashi hisashikereba onozu kara yoi kaori wo harau
If you perservere (with proper living), the years will grant you success. This was a famous last line from a treatise written by revered Han Dynasty scholar Cui Yuan (Cui Ziyu, 78–143). These same words were famously written by Kukai (Kobodaishi 774-835) the founder of Shingon escoteric Buddhism in Japan...

An exquisite wooden plate in cinnabar lacquer over black wrapped in a chord bound cloth bag end enclosed in an age blackened kiri-wood box dating from the Edo period. The surface of brilliant red has been worn through with handling revealing the black beneath about the rim and edges. It is 9 inches (23 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. The bottom is a brown tinged black (the brown is a product of oxidation, inherent only with age) upon which are written two characters in red...

An unusual Japanese circular wooden stand with black and red lacquer finish, the edges of the stand are inlaid with shell, standing on slight cabriole tripod feet.

Early 19th century Edo Period

Dimensions: 19" W x 5" H

Edo Period Early 19th Century Japanese Gold Lacquered Box. An extraordinary master work inspired by the Rimpa style of Ogata Korin. This stunning box features a pair of Peacocks by a stream with auspicious Flowers and Butterflies rendered in high relief of gold lacquer and accents of mother of pearl. The beautifully rendered auspicious motif continues in the interior of this magnificent work of art. 16 x 12 x 5 inches, 40.5 x 30.5 x 12.5 cm. Excellent Condition.

Sakura blossoms begin to open among the draping branches of a weeping willow soughing in the breeze on this beautiful lacquer box by Inami Kirokusai enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Wajima Nuri Soshun Maki-e Suzuri Bako (Ink Stone Box of Early Spring Design from Wajima). The design is performed over highly polished black, the interior in nashiji with pine saplings in raised design around the ink stone and water dropper...

A striking work of lacquer art in unusual blue by the ever-challenging Okada Yuji dating from early in his career, circa 1975. The work is performed on a panel with built up mounds over which has been applied colored lacquer and gold foil. Down the center a zigzag line of mother of pearl is inlaid. To this design has been added extruded lacquer decoration bordered in burnished Suzu-ita metal overlay...