BoxesJapanese20th century

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.

Classification

Boxes

Medium

Takamakie lacquer, nashiji gold flakes, and kirigane gold foil on a roiro black lacquer ground, the lower sides with nashiji gold flakes and bokashi kinpun gold dust, the inside and the bottom with dense nashiji gold flakes

Culture

Japanese

Period

Taishō to Shōwa period, early 20th century

Century

20th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Asian Art

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

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