Japanese "Shibayama" Lacquer Box in Lute Form

Item Details

An exquisite Japanese shibayama lacquered box in the form of a Japanese short-necked fretted biwa lute, intricately detailed with inlay mother of pearl and abalone illustrating a delicate floral arrangement of peonies, wisteria, and chrysanthemums. The gold lacquer on the lid is figured in a faux bois pattern, stippled at the edges and verso which bears the artist’s signature. The interior of the box and the underside of the lower box is finished in a nashiji lacquer, or ‘pear-skin’ lacquer created by adding metal flakes to the semi-dry lacquer base creating a brilliant reddish finish. Shibayama is the art form of semi-precious inlay on lacquer that originated in Japan, popular during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Due to it’s delicate nature, intact items displaying the art form are rare and highly coveted by collectors. The back of the box is signed ‘柳舟風’.

Dimensions

Item #

17DCC089-331