by TAKAHASHI Seido.
MidShowa period (1926-89).
Carved coloured lacquer ( guri ) on lacquered carved ground ( kamakura-bori ),
black lacquer riser and interior.
7.5 (diam) x 7.5 cm. Signed. Original signed storage box.
This autumnal-themed design shows a winged insect nestling in a pile of fallen red maple leaves. Its striking three-dimensionality in relief is in fact largely carved down from the pure typical form of a plain natsume . A sinuous black lacquer ground, suggestive of a flowing stream, supports the overlaying leaves, lacquered red with gold dust highlights. On the lid has been inlaid a tablet of multi-layered coloured lacquer carved down into the form of an insect, moving through the leaves.
As confirmed by the accompanying resumé, Takahashi Seido's particular expertise lay in the depiction of insects. The notes record that he was a prize winner thirteen times at the Imperial exhibitions 'Niten Nihon Geijitsu Tenrankai' and, in 1983, was honoured for his artistic contribution to Japanese society over a period of 50 years.