Tebako (Japanese box) in urushi lacquer and gold, decorated with floral bouquets and noshi (ribbons)

This tebako (Japanese box for personal items or papers) in urushi lacquer, made by Zōhiko, one of Japan's most prestigious lacquer houses, features an elegant design of chrysanthemums, daffodils, and lilies combined with noshi (folded ribbon motif). On a deep black background with a roiro finish (mirror-polished lacquer), the composition combines gold powder and colored pigments in a flat, highly legible, stylized design, giving the whole a refined and contemporary presence.

The artisan

This box was made by an artisan from the Zōhiko house, a lacquer workshop founded in Kyoto in 1661, considered one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious lacquer houses. Located 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

The decoration is executed in hiramaki-e (flat decoration). The motifs are drawn with lacquer then sprinkled with gold powder, before being carefully polished to be flush with the surface. This polishing work results in a smooth surface, where the decoration is continuous with the black background.

The chrysanthemums, daffodils, and lilies are rendered in gold and colored pigments, associated with noshi, elements from formal Japanese gifts, consisting of folded bands and ribbons, an auspicious decorative motif. The stems and foliage are rendered in matte gold, while the flowers combine deep reds and lighter tones that contrast with the depth of the black background.

The whole is based on an asymmetrical composition, where the curved lines of the stems and ribbons structure the space and guide the eye. The deliberately refined treatment of the motif, the absence of relief, and the precision of the drawing give the whole a contemporary and graphic interpretation while retaining the classic maki-e techniques and Japanese urushi lacquer savoir-faire.

Shape and use

This tebako is intended to hold personal items or papers, its format corresponds to domestic use. The slightly rounded edges reinforce the crispness of the silhouette and the quality of the finish.

Presentation

This piece comes with a kiribako wooden box bearing the object's inscription and the artisan's signature, as well as a Zōhiko brochure. The tebako itself bears the Zōhiko hallmark on its base.

Place of manufacture: Japan, Kyoto

Period: Heisei era (1989-2019)

Dimensions: Length 31.5 cm - Depth 23.8 cm - Height 7 cm

Weight (tebako and wooden box): 2.7 kg

Materials: Wood, urushi lacquer, gold powder, pigments

Condition

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