by ISOYA Kanzan (1876 –1937)
Taisho period, 1912-26
Gold, silver and coloured makie, with metal and shell inlay
24 x 19.7 x 3.5 cm Signed. Signed and sealed storage box
Across a rough, cloth textured ground trail the tendrils of a gourd plant - its fruit, robust leaves and delicate flower. The design wraps over the sides of the lid and is picked up on the side of the base box. The quiet, experimental style of workmanship immediately recalls the work of Rokkaku Shisui. Opening the box reveals an unexpected design on the underside of the lid – a bamboohandled, plain brown, paper fan with silver panel, on which the words tanoshi sawa, 'please enjoy' are written. Balancing the composition, in red lacquer, is the artist's seal – Kanzan. A further surprise is found in the suiteki – as light as a feather, this is of delicate wood construction with a lacquer, seido nuri, finish, rather than the expected metal.
Born in Tokyo, Kanzan first studied under Ogawa Shomin (1847-91), later becoming a pupil of Kawanabe Itcho (1830-1910) at the Tokyo Art School from which he graduated in 1897. Subsequently working in the studios of both Kawanabe and later that of Rokkaku Shisui (1867-1950), he worked on the funeral fittings for the Emperor Meiji and thereafter went on to be widely exhibited and awarded for his innovative work. His work is held in the collection of the University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts.