Coffer with design in johana makie “Eclipse Ⅱ”

Description

• Category
  Lacquerware
• Materials
  Urushi lacquer, Cypress, Gold powder, Silver powder
• Dimensions
  H 11.5 x W 25.1 x D 25.1 cm
• Year presented
  2025
• Rarity
  Unique
• Paulownia Box
  Included
• Artist Signature
  Signed (name of artwork, paulownia box)

Techniques Used

Maki-e

Maki-e (literally “sprinkled pictures”) is a representative lacquerware technique that originated in Japan around 1,200 years ago. Maki-e is done by painting lacquer motifs on the surface of a piece using a fine brush and then sprinkling gold powder onto the lacquer before it hardens, producing luxurious decorations.

Lacquering

Lacquering (kyūshitsu) is the art of applying lacquer to a substrate using spatulas or brushes. The technique includes a range of processes, from reinforcing the substrate with cloth to building up the foundation and applying the middle- and top-coats. The final coat can be left as is (nuritate), polished with charcoal to a high-gloss finish (roiro shiage), or given one of several hundred alternative (kawarinuri) finishes. Lacquer application is known for both its technical difficulty and richly expressive qualities.

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Awards received

• The 64th Toyama Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• Japan Kōgei Association Award

Comment on Award

"Eclipse II" is the second piece that I made under the theme of the astronomical phenomenon, "eclipse". I drew the solar eclipse on the lid of the octagonal box and the lunar eclipse at the bottom of the vessel, so that the two different phenomenons could be seen in one box. The top of the box finished in jet black symbolizes outer space itself. I made this piece hoping that those who see this would project their future or the universe within themselves freely onto this piece. I am very honored and grateful to receive this grand award in the year of the 450th anniversary of Johana makie.

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