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THBSuperb Japanese Meiji Gold Maki-e Lacquer Tebako Box
Lot 78a
About Seller
Artemis Fine Arts
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$2,000 - $4,000
Starting Bid
$1,200
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| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Fine Arts
Mar 20, 2025
Set Reminder
2025-03-20 10:00:00
2025-03-20 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Finds | Ancient, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-finds-ancient-asian-ethno-fine-art-18151
Explore a world of classical antiquities and ethnographic masterpieces, with treasures from every corner of the globe. Discover Egyptian relics, Greek and Roman artifacts, Etruscan elegance, Near Eastern wonders, and Asian heritage. Marvel at Pre-Columbian marvels, Native American artistry, African tribal expressions, and Oceanic cultural gems. Spanish Colonial legacies, Russian craftsmanship, and a spectrum of fine and visual arts await, offering a captivating journey through history and artistry, connecting cultures across time. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com
Explore a world of classical antiquities and ethnographic masterpieces, with treasures from every corner of the globe. Discover Egyptian relics, Greek and Roman artifacts, Etruscan elegance, Near Eastern wonders, and Asian heritage. Marvel at Pre-Columbian marvels, Native American artistry, African tribal expressions, and Oceanic cultural gems. Spanish Colonial legacies, Russian craftsmanship, and a spectrum of fine and visual arts await, offering a captivating journey through history and artistry, connecting cultures across time. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (267)
- Lot Description
East Asia, Japan, Meiji era, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A stunning tebako (precious item storage box) showcasing masterful maki-e and nashiji lacquer techniques over wood. The exterior features an intricate "Autumn Grass" motif rendered in raised takamaki-e, where powdered gold is sprinkled over wet lacquer, then fixed with additional layers and polished to create a luminous, tactile surface. The lid is adorned with delicate foliage and a suzumushi (bell cricket) perched on a blade of grass, a traditional symbol of autumn in Japanese art. The background uses nashiji, a technique in which fine gold and iron pigment flakes are evenly sprinkled onto lacquer to create a shimmering, speckled effect reminiscent of pear skin - hence the name, which translates to "pear skin ground." This effect extends across both the interior and exterior, enhancing the depth and luster of the piece. Size: 8.75" L x 7.75" W x 4.8" H (22.2 cm x 19.7 cm x 12.2 cm); gold quality: 41% to 88%; silver quality: 10% to 99%
The accompanying tomobako (storage box) bears a paper label with Japanese inscriptions. The far column translates to "Autumn Grass," the middle column reads "Suzumushi Maki-e," confirming the presence of the bell cricket in gold, and the last column identifies the piece as a "tebako" (box for valuables). The Autumn Grass motif in Japanese art represents the seasonal beauty of fall with depictions of swaying grasses, flowers, and insects like bell crickets and pampas grass. This motif is often associated with wabi-sabi, embracing the fleeting and delicate nature of life. It frequently appears in lacquerware, textiles, and paintings, symbolizing nostalgia, elegance, and the passage of time. Inspired by classical poetry and seasonal traditions, the motif evokes the quiet charm of autumn landscapes in Japan. This exquisite example of lacquer artistry reflects the refined craftsmanship of the Meiji era.
Provenance: private Culver City, California, USA collection, by inheritance, collected 1970s to 1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#191862Blemish and abrasion to lacquered lower corner and small area along the base. Stable hairline fissure 2 inches on one long side of the box exterior, but not readily noticeable. Scratches to the base. Otherwise great condition. Gorgeous gilt throughout! Unsigned. Comes with wood tomobako storage box.Condition
- Shipping Info
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