by ISOI Joshin (1883-1964)
Showa period, 1937-44
Painted and engraved lacquers, zonsei nuri
22.5 x 30 x 7 cm.
Signed
Signed & sealed tomobako
A spectacular design of phoenix, ho-o, and three-clawed dragon, ryu, sparring against a rich red evening sky of stylised clouds and waves. The subject matter – the two mythical creatures most closely associated with concepts of Japanese imperial authority – make this piece entirely of its time.
The style is pure Japanese deco – the attenuated forms of the creatures composed of a delicate, spiked engraved design enriched with vivid greens, reds, yellows and browns. For the phoenix they capture the mystical five-coloured tail feathers considered, first by the Chinese, to represent the Five Virtues of ideal behaviour in both rulers and gentlemen. These were benevolence, purity, propriety, wisdom and truth. For the dragon, in traditional colours of blue-green, the design execution captures the detail of horns, whiskers, beard and claws set against a scaly body reflecting its watery origins. Around its neck is a tight, jewelled collar, and from its upper body writhe bold red flames. The form of the artist’s signature – Takamatsu Seishoen Joshin - confirms its making in the late 1930s/early 1940s.
This technique of painted and engraved lacquer was Isoi Joshin’s supreme achievement, one that would lead to his designation as a Living National Treasures in 1956. He was a regular exhibitor at the Teiten and Shin-Bunten national art exhibitions from 1929, and he continued to exhibit at the Nitten after the Pacific War.
The tomokabo records that the first owner of this piece was named Shizuko, a resident of Takamatsu who subsequently moved to Tokyo.