Peony

Vintage 1980s

PEONY WRITING BOX

A superb Aizu lacquer maki e writing box engraved and inlaid with Chinkin gold leaf with peony and leafage.

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

Length about : 30 cm Width about : 24 cm
Height about: 4.5cm
Weight about: 743grams
A$225

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.

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.
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