Chrysanthemum

Vintage 1970s

CHRYSANTHEMUMS

A stunning Echizen lacquer writing box, suzuribako, 硯箱.

An abundance of magnificent chrysanthemums spread across the cover and sides.
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 : Toku Sei Echizen Nuri Lacquerware - Specially Made Echizen Lacquerware
Suziri Bako - Writing Box
Jun Shu is the name of the Artist

Width about : 20 cm
Length about : 26 cm
Height about: 4.5 cm
Weight about: 608 grams

A$SOLD

Echizen lacquer:
The origin of Echizen lacquerware (越前漆器) is said to date back to about 1,500 years ago, to the early 6th century.
When the 26th Emperor Keitai was still a Prince at that time, he came to Echizen and ordered a lacquer craftsman in the Katayama village (current, Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture) to repair his broken crown.
The urushi lacquer craftsman repaired the crown with lacquer and presented it to him along with a black urushi lacquerware bowl specially made for him.
The Prince was so impressed with the black urushi lacquer bowl then he encouraged the Katayama village to produce lacquerware.
This is said to be the beginning of today's Echizen lacquerware.
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.