by OKADA Akito, 1910 – 1968
Showa 38, 1963
Carved lacquer
36.0 x 36.0 x 4.0 cm.
Signed
Signed & sealed tomobako
The uguisu – Japanese nightingale – has been celebrated in Japan for its singing since the earliest poetry anthologies. Often shown paired with plum blossom, it evokes Spring.
Okada Akito learnt his considerable skills in carved lacquer through his apprenticeship under master craftsman and Living National Treasure Isoi Joshin (1883-1964). Both sought to bring a modern creativity in tune with contemporary tastes to this particular form of lacquering associated with the lacquer centre of Takamatsu. The design seen here – of the nightingale against a background of blossom – was a motif much favoured by Okada.
This piece is illustrated in the definitive catalogue of Okada’s work - Okada Akito Sakuhin Shu, published in 1973. Its author – the lacquerist Kyohei Mizuuchi (1909-2001) - confirms the exacting standards that were followed by the artist, typically applying at least 100 layers of lacquer to the cypress, hinoki, base before beginning to carve the design.