by SUZUKI Hyosaku (1879–1943)
Taisho period, 1912-26
Makie on a dry lacquer base, kanshitsu
23.5 (dia.) x 2.2 cm Signed.
Signed and sealed storage box
In creating this piece the artist has striven to capture both the uneven form and oxidised finish of a simple metal dish. It would be for use in chado – the Way of Tea – to serve small cakes or sweets. Metal dishes were first brought to Japan from Europe in the late sixteenth century. The lacquerist's fascination with imitating materials can be traced back to the work of Haritsu in the eighteenth century, taken forward by Zeshin in the nineteenth century.
Suzuki Hyosaku was a Kyoto artist who had studied under Suzuki Chosin and Kimura Hyosai II. He was a member of the Katsumikai, an influential artists' group, formed in 1912 and managed by Kamisaka Sekka, to promote excellence in Kyoto lacquerware. He was also retained by the Imperial Household to oversee Imperial visits, ensure that the correct utensils would be available, and to monitor the Government acquisition of gifts for visiting dignitaries.