Scholars Moon

Vintage 1970s

SCHOLARS MOON BOOK BOX

A superb Sakurai Chinkin lacquer book box.
Pine Trees, rockery, two scholars, a silver moon.
Engraved and inlaid with real gold leaf.

Signed by Artist : Shuho

This superb form of lacquer workmanship is known as Chinkin, 沈金 , meaning sinking gold.

To buy a new box, of this quality and standard in Japan today the price would start at a minimum of A$2,000 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 : Sakura I Nuri Bun Ko - Sakurai lacquer ware book box

Width about : 23 cm
Length about : 30.5 cm
Height about: 6 cm
Weight about: 645 grams

A$325

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