Tebako (Japanese box) in urushi lacquer and gold, decorated with ran suisen (orchids and daffodils)

This tebako (Japanese box designed to hold personal items or papers) in urushi lacquer, made by Zōhiko, one of Japan's most prestigious lacquer houses, features a beautifully elegant ran suisen (orchids and daffodils) decoration. On a deep black background with a roiro finish (mirror-polished lacquer), the composition combines gold powder and colored pigments in a flat, stylized, highly readable design, giving the whole a refined and contemporary presence.

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

Decoration and Techniques
The decoration is executed in hiramaki-e (flat decoration). The motifs are drawn in lacquer then sprinkled with gold powder, before being carefully polished to be flush with the surface. This polishing work allows for a perfectly smooth surface, where the decoration is integrated into the continuity of the black roiro background.

The stems and foliage are treated in matte gold, while the flowers combine colored pigments and gilded details. The rich reds and nuanced purples contrast with the depth of the black background and the sobriety of the lines. The whole is based on an asymmetrical composition, where the curved lines of the leaves structure the space and guide the eye.

The deliberately refined treatment of the motif, the absence of relief, and the precision of the design give the whole a contemporary and graphic interpretation while preserving the classic techniques of maki-e and Japanese urushi lacquer craftsmanship.

Form and Use
This tebako (Japanese box) is intended to hold personal items or papers, its format corresponds to domestic use. The slightly beveled edges reinforce the crispness of the silhouette and the quality of the finish.

Presentation
This piece is accompanied by a kiribako wooden box bearing the inscription of the object as well as the artisan's signature, as well as a Zōhiko brochure. The tebako itself bears the Zōhiko hallmark on its base.

Place of Manufacture
Japan, Kyōto

Period
Heisei Era (1989-2019)

Dimensions
Length 30 cm - Depth 23 cm - Height 6 cm

Weight
1.7kg

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, gold powder, pigments

Condition
Good condition, wear consistent with age and use (a few small scratches on the outer bottom of the tebako)