1,000 Cranes

Vintage 1970s

THOUSAND CRANES

A magnificent spectacular Wajima lacquer writing box, suzuribako, 硯箱.

A glorious display of Cranes with spread wings flying across and around the cover of the box.
Engraved and inlaid with real gold leaf.
This superb form of lacquer workmanship is known as Chinkin, 沈金 , meaning sinking gold.

To buy a new writing box, suzuribako, 硯箱 of this quality and standard in Japan today the price would start at a minimum of A$3,000 upwards.

For the connoisseur of fine exquisite lacquer a superb addition.

Refer to the large images for full of details of quality and condition, as new in mint condition, a stored family treasure.

Original Tomobako - Wood Box
Characters read : Sen Ba Zuru Hori Zume- Thousand Cranes Chinkin Lacquerware
Sho Sai Saku - Sho Sai (artist name) Made


Width about : 21 cm
Length about : 27 cm
Height about: 4.5 cm
Weight about: 632 grams

A$SOLD

The finest quality wood lacquer in the world is that made in Japan.
Made using only the best woods such as, Zelkova (keyaki), Japanese Chestnut, Japanese Cypress, Magnolia, Cherry.
It takes approximately 6 months and 23 different processes from start to finish to produce each individual Handmade Item

Chinkin is a very specialized Japanese Lacquer Art technique that involves carving and engraving decorative designs on a lacquer surface.
It is believed that the Chinkin technique of decorating Japanese lacquer ware originated in China during the Sung dynasty (960 to 1279).

It was introduced to Japan during the Muromachi period (1338 to1573). This is a very meticulous technique that involves the use of fine chisels and carving tools that a Master Artist uses to craft the most intricate motifs.
Once the design is engraved onto a lacquer surface, it is sprinkled with gold, silver or other precious metal powders.
There are less than a handful of Chinkin Artists that continue to produce these rare works of art reflecting all the legendary techniques