Box by Kawahara Toyoharu, urushi lacquer by Wajima, cloud and pine maki-e (gold powder) decoration
Contemporary rectangular box in urushi lacquered wood very deep and brilliant, made in Wajima by the Sakaguchi Shokōdō workshop, with a superb decoration signed by master lacquerer Kawahara Toyoharu, specialist in maki-e (gold powder decoration).
The lid's decoration depicts clouds intertwined with stylized pine trees, punctuated by small gold squares arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Produced using hira maki-e, a technique of sprinkling gold powder onto a thin layer of still-wet lacquer and then polishing the surface to create a smooth, glossy pattern, this decoration evokes traditional Japanese symbols: clouds, associated with elevation and the immaterial world, and pine trees (matsu), symbols of longevity and quiet strength.
This generously sized letter box (fubako) (29.3 cm long, 26.2 cm wide, 6.5 cm high) was once used to carefully store documents, letters and personal papers. Today, it can hold notebooks, valuable papers or objects.
This is a contemporary piece. It comes with its protective paulownia wood box (tomobako), signed in ink on the inside of the lid with the workshop name, the artisan's name, and their seal.
Wajima lacquerware, or Wajima-nuri, is one of Japan's most renowned lacquerware, particularly prized for its depth, durability, and sophistication. The Noto Peninsula, where Wajima City is located, was struck by a devastating earthquake on January 1, 2024, and many lacquer artisans lost their tools of work. We hope that the invaluable legacy of these skills will continue, even if it takes time to rebuild.
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JAPAN |
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(box only) Length 29.3cm x Width 26.2cm x Height 6.5cm |
| WEIGHT | (total) 1050gr |
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© Atelier Ikiwa – Laurence Corteggiani. Photos and texts protected. All reproduction forbidden without authorization.
KNOW-HOW
Traditional Japanese lacquer, urushi, comes from the sap of the lacquer tree (Rhus Verniciflua), which flows after incision of the bark. It is a very precious material, a tree will give a maximum of 200ml of sap in its life, which is worked by specialized craftsmen. It takes many operations, slow and meticulous, and several months of work to bring real lacquer objects to life. It is the oldest craft in Japan! Initially used to protect and waterproof objects, this immutable craft has become an art of extreme sophistication. If you want to know more about the art of Japanese lacquer, you can read our dedicated article > .
SHIPPING AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
Shipping
Free shipping in mainland France for purchases over €200. Shipping with Colissimo, delivery to your home or a pick-up point, package delivered against signature or unique code for valuable items. Orders are generally dispatched within 2 business days, except for fine art photographs, which are printed on demand, and special cases that will be announced in the banner at the top of the site (e.g., in case of absence). Learn more >
Payment options
Secure card payment with Shopify Payments and 3D Secure technology.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Cartes Bancaires, PayPal, Apple Pay, Shop Pay, and Klarna.
Klarna: Pay in 3 interest-free installments or within 30 days, for purchases up to €1,500, subject to Klarna's approval. You will be redirected to Klarna to log in or create an account and confirm your payment.
PayPal: You will be redirected to PayPal to log in and confirm payment. New users can create an account during checkout.
Your invoice will be sent with your order.
Returns and exchanges
14 days to change your mind. Learn more >
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Clean with a very soft cloth to avoid scratches, soaked in a little warm water if necessary (never soak your lacquer objects). No microwave, dishwasher, dryer. Do not expose to direct sunlight for a long time (risk of discoloration). If the atmosphere is very dry and very hot, and to avoid the risk of cracking, you can place a glass filled with water next to your lacquer object.
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The art of wrapping
The exceptional items are wrapped in a beautiful fabric beautifully knotted using the little-known art of Korean pojagi and decorated with a delightful maedup (Korean ornamental knot). Details and conditions >
WRAPPING
Exceptional items are wrapped in textiles tied according to the Korean pojagi art