Box with design in makie. “Merciful light”
- Lacquerware
- Presented in 2014
- H 8.0 x W 10.5 x D 40.2 cm
- Contact for Price
Maki-e box "Mihikari" was made with the image of a common bluebottle's beautiful blue wings and the sight of it flying swiftly. I drew butterflies that are said to be symbols of reincarnation of spirits, and on the side, the fruit and flower of a Bo tree, also known as the tree of the Budha, where the Budha was spiritually awakened. Seashells are used for the butterfly and mainly silver-palladium alloy for the Bo tree.
Mihikari means "Nurturing all creations and blessing the world", and the Chinese character expressing "Mi" means, "loving,caring and gracious". My benefactor passed away when I was making this, and so I put my thoughts into this piece wishing that he will watch over us from above.
| Category | Lacquerware |
|---|---|
| Year Presented | 2014 |
| Dimensions | H 8.0 x W 10.5 x D 40.2 cm |
| Materials | silver-palladium alloy, south sea abalone shells (known as tamamushi (jewel beetle) shells) , gold |
| Exhibition | The 61st Japan Traditional Kogei Exhibition |
Keiji Onihira
I create my artwork with lacquer, gold, powder, mother-of-pearl, using various makie techniques. Many new types of lacquer and pigments are being developed these days. I try to use these new materials and techniques within the traditional artwork, as I believe this will create a new tradition. With traditional lacquerware at the base, I want to try various motifs and themes to produce artwork that create a special little world or atmosphere.