Hiranatsume Spring and Autumn Tea Caddy with Decoration of Cherry Blossoms and Maple Leaves
1920-1930
Description
The slightly rounded walls of this small tea caddy rise almost vertically from the small, circular, countersunk base; they indent slightly near the top to form the vertical lip that receives and secures in place the cover, which has a flat top and vertical side walls. The exteriors of both cover and container are coated in roiro black lacquer; the cover and upper portion of the container's walls are emblazoned with a pattern of cherry blossoms and maple leaves in red and gold, which contrast with the black lacquer ground. Most of the leaves and blossoms--which are not connected and which lack any stems or scrolling foliage--are rendered in kirigane gold foil; a few leaves and blossoms are highlighted in red lacquer, while a few others are accentuated with bokashi kinpun gold dust. The lower portion of the container's exterior is embellished with nashiji gold flakes. The underside of the container and the interiors of both cover and container are enlivened with densely applied nashiji gold flakes, so that they superficially appear to have been rendered in a sparkling reddish gold lacquer. The overall impression is one of sumptuousness. The inclusion of both cherry blossoms and maple leaves in the decorative scheme makes this tea caddy appropriate for use in both spring and autumn.
Dimensions
maximum, including cover: H. 5.8 x Diam. 8.9 cm (2 5/16 x 3 1/2 in.) tea caddy only: H. 4.8 cm (1 7/8 in.)
Provenance
Private Collection, Japan; sold [to Erik Thomsen LLC Asian Art, New York]; sold to Harvard University Art Museum
Related Artworks
View MoreBrass
19th centuryPersianLacquer on wood with decoration in gold utilizing the hiramaki-e (low-relief sprinkled design) and nashiji ("pear-skinned" ground) techniques
18th centuryJapaneseLacquer on wood
Japanese
Box with mounted Plexiglas wheel and various sample materials
20th centuryBritishLacquer
JapaneseBronze, with damascened overlays of cut sheet silver, the bronze with induced gunmetal gray surface color
19th-20th centuryKoreanMaki-e lacquer;
17th-19th centuryJapaneseLacquer on wood with decoration in painted gold and with thin mother-of-pearl inlays; metal fittings
18th centuryJapaneseSilver
Unidentified cultureMaki-e designs in gold and silver on nashi-ji lacquer ground
JapaneseIron or bronze with decoration applied in gold; with small cartouche on the cover reading "Kingakuji" and a maker's mark in gold on the base; the interior of box and cover lined with sheet gold, the linings cursorily engraved with landscapes
19th-20th centuryJapaneseIvory with velvet lining
18th centuryBritish