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Japanese Lacquer Maki-e Scroll Box Fubako by Kansonsai Edo Period

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A Japanese lacquered wood fubako (a box to store document or small scroll painting) circa late 18th century of Edo period. The rectangular box features a deep lid with rounded corners and recessed mid-edge and a lower box with two bronze medallion rings and tasseled silk ties. The surface of the fubako was elaborately decorated with hiramaki-e and a low takamaki-e on a mottled Mura-nashiji background. The motifs on the lid depict branches of Japanese pine with finely rendered needles on the lower part; on the upper part, it showcases fruited persimmon branches. Two different shades of gold fundame were used to contrast the design and augmented by scattered gold kirigane to highlight some of the leaves. The design continues and cascades down to all sides of the lid as well as the walls of the box. The two bronze medallions appear original to the box and the silk ties show significant fading from the age. This fine fubako is signed on the lower wall "Kanshōsai" in Kanji with a kao mark. All the trims were finished in gold fundame and the interiors a dense nashiji in gold.
Kanshōsai is the mark of the distinguished lacquer artist Lizuka Toyo I who also signed his work "Toyosai". He was active in the second half of the 18th century during Edo period, employed by Hachisuka Shigeyoshi (1738-1801), daimyo of Awa on Shikoku Island. Although most survived work bearing his marks are inros, he was also known to decorated trays and other larger objects. This fubako, based on its fine quality, was quite likely by his hands. We can't rule out the possibility that it was made by his pupils such as Toju, Toshi and Toshu at a later age, although we haven't found known examples in literature with similar/identical signature (see page 312, the first signature of Lizuka Toyo in The Index of Inro Artists by E. A. Wrangham).
Examining the fubako, it is evident that it was carefully used and of its original condition without noticeable restoration.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	18th Century
Materials:	lacquered wood
Condition:	Good. Aged patina and expected minor surface wear, shelf scratches on the base. One corner of the cover has a stable crack line and another a small nick. Slight even sun fading to the exterior faintly visible with demarcated by the lid as it should be.
Creation Date:	late 18th century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Florals/Botanical, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	627699

Dimensions

W.	12.75 in;	H.	3.5 in;	D.	4.5 in;
W.	32.39 cm;	H.	8.89 cm;	D.	11.43 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.