by MASUDA Masahiro (b.1940)
Showa 56, 1981 Carved lacquer, choshitsu, and innovative technique, kawarinuri, over a metal body. 42 (dia.) x 5 cm. Seal to base Original signed and
sealed storage box
A spectacular and richly symbolic design that reflects on the transience of beauty. Collecting in the bowl of the dish are the memories of cherry blossom – fallen blooms reverting into the grassy green ground. Around the rim of the dish the rich green leaves that appear after the blossom has fallen form a dense framework to the design. Turning the dish over reveals a muted green setting in which the viewer may contemplate looking up into a grouping of cherry trees, their blossom gone, in the silvery light of the moon.
This piece was exhibited at the Nihon Dento Kogeiten of 1981.