8 Pine Sprays

Vintage 1970s

8 PINE SPRAYS LETTER BOX

A superb Wajima lacquer letter box. 8 Pine sprays in gold maki e.
A perfect example of the Japanese art form, that combines simplicity and beauty, a divergence of the timeless concept of wabi sabi.

The number 8 is considered lucky and special in Japanese, the pine sprays represent longevity, good fortune and steadfastness.

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
The Box cover reading: Wajima Nuri Fu Bako - Wajima Lacquer ware letter box.

The washi paper bag for the box stamped with characters reading.
Top Line: Ken Ro Uki Ai - Robust Guarantee. Red Seal Mark Toku Sei - Specially made. Right column Shi Kki Sho Shina - lacquer ware of various goods. Middle column Goku Iyo Hon Kata - The longest and hardest of wajima lacquer. Left column Noto Wajima - Wajima is the place where this box is made, it is on the Noto Peninsula.

Length about : 28.5 cm Width about : 22 cm
Height about: 7 cm
Weight about: 735 grams

A$180


Wajima Lacquer:
Lacquer ware production in Wajima is thought to date back to ancient times. Lacquer products from 6,800 years ago have also been discovered at the Mibiki Ruins, also on the Noto Peninsula . In Wajima, lacquer products have been excavated at the Yadani B ruins, which are remains from the Heian period.
The oldest surviving Wajima lacquerware is said to be the vermilion door of the former main hall of Juzo Shrine (Kawaimachi, Wajima City), which is said to have been made in 1524 during the Muromachi period .
It is said that the current Wajima-nuri technique was established during the Kanbun era in the early Edo period. Wajima, located at the northern tip of the Noto Peninsula, was a port of call for ships such as the Kitamae-bune, and by this time they had already expanded their sales channels by taking advantage of shipping.

Today, Wajima lacquerware is widely sold as high-class lacquerware, and the Wajima Lacquer Art Museum in Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture has become a tourist spot.