Square box in rare Sanuki lacquer, gosetsuzu decoration (five clear motifs)

This square box, a sweet box, illustrates the refinement of Sanuki lacquer, developed in the Kagawa region (Shikoku Island) during the Taishō period (1912–1926). Made using the specific zonsei technique, characteristic of this school, the surface of the wooden box was first lightly engraved in order to deposit natural pigments mixed with translucent lacquer. This process gives the designs a delicate relief that can be perceived by touch, while preserving the depth and brightness of the black lacquer background.

The lid and sides are covered in a deep, glossy black lacquer, highlighting the decoration of the "five clear patterns" ( gosetsuzu ), combining chrysanthemum ( kiku ), plum blossom ( ume ), peony ( botan ), bamboo ( take ) and bellflower ( kikyō ), traditional symbols of auspiciousness. The colors—vermillion reds, saffron yellows, oranges and deep greens—stand out brilliantly against the polished black background. The decoration continues on the sides of the box, creating a harmonious whole.

The inside of the box is also covered in a glossy black lacquer. The base is treated in red lacquer according to the negoro-nuri aesthetic, where the superposition of layers of red and black lacquer creates, through subtle polishing, a contrasting effect between the shades, revealing in places the black undercoat in a refined play of materials.

This box belongs to the shihō kashiki category, a box of sweets intended to be presented during the tea ceremony.

Sanuki lacquer pieces from this period, made of high-quality zonsei like this one, are rare on the market today. This refined style reached its peak at the turn of the Meiji and Taishō eras, when it was particularly sought after by lacquer enthusiasts. Well-preserved early examples with their original boxes are now rare.

This box is signed (seal engraving on the inside of the lid) and comes with its original wooden box ( tomobako ), bearing the inscription of the Bunkidō workshop. Active in Takamatsu in the late Meiji period and during the Taishō era, the Bunkidō workshop enjoyed an excellent reputation for the finesse of its zonsei decorations. Its pieces were distinguished at national exhibitions in the early 20th century and remain appreciated by connoisseurs today.

This antique piece (Taishō period, which lasted from 1912 to 1926) has been carefully preserved, showing slight wear consistent with its age and use.