Flowers

Vintage 1980s

FLOWERS BOOK BOX

A superb Aizu lacquer maki e writing box using clear lacquer. Chrysanthemums, asters, autumn grasses.

This type of lacquer technique is used In Sendai Province in the making of the famous Sendai Tansu's.

Refer to the large images for full of details of quality and condition.

As new in mint condition, a stored family treasure.


Original Washi paper box. The characters on the cover reeading Ai Zu Nuri Ki Ji Ro - Aizu Lacquer. Kijiro (is the clear lacquer technique used on this box.)
The small label on the bottom section of the Washi box: Moku Sei Bun Ko Ki Ji Ro . - Made from wood, book box, Kijiro lacquer.
Kodai Ji - Kodai Temple- is the name of this box

Length about : 32.5 cm Width about : 23.3 cm
Height about: 6.8cm
Weight about: 915 grams
A$125

Aizu Nuri
Urushi lacquer ware began to take root in the 18th year of Tensho (1590) when the Lord Gamo Ujisato was ordered to be the Lord of Aizu by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Lord Ujisato encouraged the industry of lacquer making in the province.
Lord Ujisato brought Kiji-shi (Wood base craftsmen) and Nuri-shi (Lacquer craftsmen) from Hino (Shiga prefecture) where he was previously Lord and gave orders that the art and technique of Urushi be instructed.
Aizu-Nuri developed rapidly.
Aizu grew the Urushi trees, producing the lacquer, and making the lacquer ware, the total process of Urushi lacquer from beginning to end being completed in the province.
In the Edo (1615-1868) period Lord Hoshina Masayuki who established Aizu-Han (Han= type of prefecture) made great effort for the growing and protecting of Urushi trees. Later successive Lords worked hard in the innovation of Aizu Nuri which was exported to China, Holland and many other countries.
It was the start of great prosperity of Aizu-Nuri.　　
But during the Boshin War（1868年 - 1869年）at the end of Edo period , Aizu lacquer ware received a devastating blow.
By the end of the war Aizu province was in ruins as was Aizu lacquerware. Reconstruction began.
By the middle of the Meiji period (1868-1912), Aizu had once again established itself as Japan's leading producer of fine lacquer ware.
The skills and traditions of Aizu Nuri, passed from generation to generation have lasted for over four hundred years.