Bunkobako (Japanese box) in urushi lacquer and gold, decorated with a floral bouquet

This bunkobako (Japanese box designed to hold documents, papers or precious objects) in urushi lacquer, made by Zōhiko, one of Japan's most prestigious lacquer houses, features a richly detailed floral bouquet decoration. Against a deep black urushi lacquer background, the composition combines gold powder and pigments in a work blending smooth surfaces and subtle reliefs. The motif develops from an area treated in nashiji (sprinkled gold), whose dense and subtly shimmering texture enhances the overall depth and the presence of the decoration.

The artisan
This box was created by an artisan from Zōhiko, a lacquer workshop founded in Kyoto in 1661, considered one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious lacquer houses. Established in the former imperial capital, Zōhiko has developed a recognized expertise for the quality of its lacquers, the precision of its maki-e decorations, and its ability to evolve traditional forms into more contemporary expressions. The house has notably worked for imperial institutions and high-level collections.

Decoration and techniques
This box is made of wood covered with several layers of Japanese urushi lacquer, the deep black surface of which is achieved by a polished finish.

The decoration is executed in maki-e (gold powder), combining different techniques. Some parts are treated in hiramaki-e (flat decoration), while others present a slight relief, obtained by superimposing lacquer and powders, creating discreet variations in material and light.

The composition relies on a nashiji (sprinkled gold) area, a technique consisting of dispersing fine gold particles in the lacquer, producing a dense and slightly shimmering background that serves as the base for the motif.

The floral bouquet, combined with stylized grasses, is part of the tradition of Japanese seasonal decorations, evoking abundance, renewal, and harmony with nature, recurring themes in decorative arts.

Form and use
This bunkobako is intended for storing papers, documents, or precious personal items. Its format allows for domestic storage use while retaining a strong decorative presence.

Presentation
This piece comes with a wooden tomobako box bearing the inscription of the object as well as the artisan's signature. The bunkobako itself bears the Zōhiko mark on its base.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Kyoto

Period
Heisei Era (1989-2019)

Dimensions
Length 29 cm - Width 22 cm - Height 10.3 cm

Weight
Bunkobako and wooden box: 1.6kg

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, gold powder, pigments

Condition
Good condition, wear consistent with age and use, small scratches are present on the exterior bottom of the box, invisible when the box is placed.