by SAKASHITA Yoshiharu (b.1958)
Heisei period, 1990 – 2000
Gold and coloured makie, with metal and eggshell inlays
13.2 x 26.2 x 10.5 (h) cm
Signed. Signed and sealed storage box.
Enigmatically entitled Tsui no Sumika, ‘the final settling place’, the design of this piece shows the passage of time for all living things - the passing of the seasons. Flowing from top to bottom of the lid we see the fresh green maple leaves of Spring then turning to Autumnal red against a ground that references the tree’s bark, enriched with cascades of eggshell inlay. The long sides of the lid reinforce the monthly cycle through the waxing crescent and then gibbous moon exquisitely depicted in oxidised silver inlay. Alongside each a contrasting constancy is provided by a watchful owl resting on palmate leaves.
The interior, finished in black lacquer, comprises two compartments through a stacking tray.