Golden Temple

Vintage 1970s

MOUNTAIN WATER 山水 GOLDEN TEMPLE WAJIMA HAND MADE LIDDED BOX.

Gold temple set amongst high mountains, pines, river bank.
The temple engraved and set with gold foil - Chinkin
Magnificent low relief carving.

The calligraphy (gold foil Chinkin) on the right hand side of the box lid reads:
Mei Getsu Sei Sen, Ki Ho Ro Kaku - Bright Moon Clear Spring, High Mountain High Building.

Vermillion signature: Kin Ko Koku - Kinko (artist name) carved.
* Amano Kiyoshi - Artist name Kinko is recorded as a Wajima Chinkin Master Craftsman, in the listing of Wajima Nuri Masters.*

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.

**Nearly 40 years ago this box cost the equivalent of @ A$2,500 to buy in Japan**



Original wood box Tomobako (outside storage box).
Calligraphy on lid : Wajima Nuri - Wajima Lacquer . Bun Ko - book box.

Condition : Excellent - Stored Item - Never Used - Like New

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

Length : 30.5 cm
Width : 22.5 cm
Height : 6.0 cm
Weight about 1.4 kg

A$295

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.

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.

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.