Japanese Raisin Wood Box with Mosaic Inlay Finished in Wiped Urushi

H 11.5 x W 30.1 x D 16.6 cm,Year.2025
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  • Wood and Bamboo
  • Awarded 6 times at the Japan Kōgei Assoc. Exhibition
  • Price Range Under $11,000
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About the Artwork

One of my starting points as a woodwork artist was my encounter with Shosoin Treasures. I was inspired by the "Agarwood Marquetry Box" and by the colors of the Shosoin textiles that I saw at the Annual Exhibition of Shosoin Treasures last year and created this piece with marquetry of karaki (exotic wood). Adding wood inlay (marquetry) in the wooden base finished in wiped urushi was a process that required much patience and concentration.

Description

  • Category
    Wood and Bamboo
  • Materials
    Japanese raisin wood
  • Dimensions
    H 11.5 x W 30.1 x D 16.6 cm
  • Year presented
    2025
  • Rarity
    Unique

Techniques Used

Wood inlay

Wood inlay (moku zōgan) is a decorative technique in which wood, metal, or shell is inserted into cavities cut into a wooden substrate to produce contrasting designs.

Wiped lacquer finish

Wiped lacquer (fuki urushi) is a wood-finishing technique consisting of a thin coat of lacquer. The lacquer is applied with a spatula or brush, rubbed in with a cotton cloth, and then wiped away using washi paper or clean fabric. Repeating the process numerous times produces a finish that brings out the wood’s grain and texture.

Awards received

  • The 20th Wood and Bamboo Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2025)
  • MOA Museum of Art Award
photo Japanese Raisin Wood Box with Mosaic Inlay Finished in Wiped Urushi
Japanese Raisin Wood Box with Mosaic Inlay Finished in Wiped Urushi Masato Ichikawa
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