Japanese Lacquerware

Japanese lacquerware is renowned for the extraordinary skill, patience and attention to detail involved in its decoration. I have been fortunate to photograph a range of fine examples, including lacquer boxes, writing boxes, incense containers, sake cups, combs, dishes and larger pieces.

The gallery includes examples from the Edo and Meiji periods, with a variety of techniques and decorative subjects. Among the works photographed are finely decorated gold and red lacquer pieces, suzuribako writing boxes, kōgō incense boxes, carved red lacquer (tsuishu) and tebako accessory boxes. Some feature natural and seasonal subjects such as pine and bamboo, birds and waterfalls, flowers and Mount Fuji, while others incorporate more intricate pictorial decoration.

The collection also includes works associated with notable Japanese artists and makers, including Shibata Zeshin and Sawada Sotakusai, as well as a fine Edo-period tsuishu kōgō signed by Hokei. The combination of highly polished surfaces, intricate decoration and exceptionally fine detail makes Japanese lacquerware particularly rewarding to photograph.

A PAIR OF LARGE LACQUER BOTTLES WITH PINE AND BAMBOO
A JAPANESE LACQUER PICNIC SET SAGEJUBAKO
A gold japanese lacquer box
A RARE FOOD BOX (JUBAKO) WITH STRIPED DECORATION AND PLAYING CARDS
Japanese lacquer comb collection
A JAPANESE LACQUER FLOWER-SHAPED DISH
Japanese red lacquer covered Incense Box (Kōgō)
Japanese red and gold lacquer box depicting birds and a waterfall
japanese lacquer suzuribako or writing box
A Magnificent Shibata Zeshin Panel. Signed Zeshin and sealed Tairyukyo
japanese lacquer suzuribako or writing box
detail photograph of a gold japanese lacquer box
japanese lacquer suzuribako or writing box
A detail photograph of A Fine Tsuishu [Carved Red Lacquer] Kogo [Incense Box] Signed Hokei to [carved by Hokei (Matsuki Hokei)], Edo period (19th century)
A Lacquer Sake Cup Signed Koma Koryu and kao [cursive monogram], Edo period (19th century)
A Lacquer Tebako [Small Box] Edo period (mid-19th century)
A Lacquer Kodansu [Incense Cabinet] Depicting Scenes of Nikko, Edo - Meiji period (19th century)
A LACQUER TEBAKO [ACCESSORY BOX] SAWADA SOTAKUSAI (1830-1915), EDO - MEIJI PERIOD (LATE 19TH - EARLY 20TH CENTURY)
A Fine Tsuishu [Carved Red Lacquer] Kogo [Incense Box] Signed Hokei to [carved by Hokei (Matsuki Hokei)], Edo period (19th century)
japanese lacquer suzuribako or writing box
A small gold japanese lacquer box
japanese lacquer suzuribako or writing box
japanese lacquer suzuribako or writing box
A small japanese lacquer box decorated with fans
A gold japanese lacquer box depicting mount fuji

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