Large lacquer paper box (ryôshibako)

Large writing paper box 料紙箱 (ryôshibako) decorated with sprinkled gold (nashiji) and a design of chrysanthemum flowers and leaves in raised gold, silver and some red-brown takamaki-e lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay work.

Inside the lid a beautiful design of butterflies in raised gold and silver takamaki-e lacquer with some mother-of-pearl inlay work. Signed: Kôrin. Referring to the design being in style of the master Ogata Kôrin, but the actual lacquer artist is unknown. It is a homage to Kôrin by an artist that followed the school of Rinpa.

Inside: sprinkled gold (nashiji) lacquer. With an extra tray.

In very good condition with some very light signs of age and use. Please look at the photos for a condition reference.

The Rinpa School 琳派 was a key part of the Edo period revival of indigenous Japanese artistic interests described by the term yamato-e. Paintings, textiles, ceramics, and lacquerwares were decorated by Rinpa artists with vibrant colours applied in a highly decorative and patterned manner. Favoured themes, which often contained evocative references to nature and the seasons, were drawn from Japanese literature, notably The Tale of Genji, The Tales of Ise, and Heian-period poems composed by courtiers. (From the MET museum).

When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.