Taisho/Early Showa period, 1920-40
Gold, silver and coloured makie. Silver binding
20 x 24.5 x 9.5 cm.
A pair of quail, uzura, exquisitely rendered in the togadashie lacquer technique, is set against a fine, graded, nashiji ground, possibly indicative of the millet seed with which the quail is frequently associated in Japanese imagery. The design of their plumage is a brilliant exercise in patterning – standing between focused realism and abstract shape.
Quail have three symbolic meanings for the Japanese. They are emblematic of martial valour because of their fighting spirit; of autumn; and of poverty, because their colouration brings to mind tattered clothing .
Opening the box reveals a bold, free-flowing autumnal setting of bush clover, hagi, with its reddish-purple blossom, combined with pampas grass, suzuki. The design, again rendered in togadashie, runs over the loose baseboard and up the sides of the interior box.
Togadashie is one of the most demanding lacquer techniques. After having formed the design in sprinkled makie its craftsman will cover over the entire design in layers of lacquer that are then polished back to reveal the design below under a perfect, mirror-like finish.