Ryûkyû-ware lacquer box

Very rare and outstanding large Ryûkyû-ware 琉球焼 tebako 手箱 (box for personal accessories) with high level of craftsmanship lacquer in relief, known as the technique tsuikin 堆錦.

The entire exterior is covered by white chrysanthemums 菊 (kiku) surrounded by green scrolling vines on a coral red ground with a dotted pattern. The undulating rims are executed in black lacquer. The interior covered by bright vermillion red, the colour Ryûkû lacquer ware is famous for.

The evenly black lacquered bottom side with a red seal: ‘Ryûkyû Kakuman’ 琉球角萬.
This mark is of the Kakuman Shikki lacquerware studio situated in Maejima, Naha City. Established over 120 years ago, Kakuman Shikki is the oldest Ryûkyû lacquerware business in Okinawa. The lacquerware pieces by Kakuman Shikki are known for their high quality and have been presented to Ise Jingu and Meiji Jingu Shrines in the past, and pieces were also donated for display to the Akasaka State Guest House. The major differences with Ryukyu Shikki in comparison to lacquerware produced in other parts of Japan are in its brilliant vermilion color, the unique Tsuikin technique which applies raised overlays of designs, and the containers themselves are made of wood found growing in Okinawa.
Taishō period (1912-1926).
In a very good restored condition.

Dimensions:
Height 13 cm, Width 27.4 cm, Depth 36.3 cm.

When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.