by SHIMANO Sanshu.
Showa period (1926–89). Dated Spring, Showa 19 (1944).
Makie and mother of pearl inlay on a clear lacquered ground.
38.5 (diam.) x 2.5 cm. Signed. Original signed storage box.
An incense tray holds the accoutrements necessary for the appreciation of scents, such as the small incense burner ( hitorimo) and incense container (kogo), during the tea ceremony. The design seen here shows a heavily swelling mountainous sea depicted in combed khaki-green makieon a black ground with, behind, a thunderous sky portrayed through the clear lacquer of the lively-grained wooden core. Over the scene fly thirteen plovers ( chidori) depicted in mother-of-pearl ( raden) inlay, their outline and detail draw in silver makie. The tray's rim is finished in a dulled nashijiin imitation of a metal binding. The back of the tray finishes in a central reserve, signed and dated by the artist.