The Kura - Japanese Art Treasures

Robert Mangold has been working with Japanese antiques since 1995 with an emphasis on ceramics, Paintings, Armour and Buddhist furniture.

SUPERB Japanese WAKASA LACQUER SUZURI BAKO


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Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Pre 1930: Item # 289629

Please refer to our stock # MOR1124 when inquiring.
The Kura
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23 Murasakino Monzen-cho
Kita-ward Kyoto 603-8216
tel.81-75-201-3497
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An incredible amount of work went in to the burl-like lacquer finish of this early 20th century three-drawered calligraphy box. All surfaces excepting the bottom are covered in the unusual mottled finish known as wakasa, made by spattering on layers of various colored lacquers which are then rubbed down to a smooth, marbleized finish. Just when one thinks the artist has finished, the process is repeated. This small piece of furniture is the finest example of this technique we have come across. In testament to its high quality, the handles on the three small drawers are solid ivory. The top is removable to allow storage of an ink stone, paperweight and brushes, while the smaller drawers were made to hold stamps, brushes and paper. It measures 6-1/2 by 11-1/4 by 7-3/4 inches tall (29 x 17 x 20 cm tall), and is in excellent condition excepting a few small chips, one on the back left corner (see close-up photo), one on the front left corner bottom, and two on the lid edge.