by ASADA Shinsui (1901-82)
Showa 21, 1946
Carved coloured lacquers, choshitsu
24.5 (dia.) x 30 x 8.5 cm.
Signed and sealed. Signed and sealed tomobako
Following Japan’s surrender at the end of the Pacific War, two government-sponsored art exhibitions, now renamed the Nitten, were held. This work comes from the second, autumn, exhibition. As a reflection of Japan’s failed military ambitions, it could hardly be more evocative.
The dragonfly, tombo, is traditionally an emblem of martial success, its name being a homophone for terms associated with victory and, since Heian times, closely identified with the older kingdom of Yamato. On this work, 68 dragonflies are crowded around a central stalk of a rice plant. Normally alive with iridescent colour, this rendition is sombre, quiet and lifeless. It is not difficult to interpret their depiction and density as depicting the weight of fallen Japanese in the war – now estimated at nearly 3 million. Rice – the staple of Japan’s survival – provides a sacred focus to the scene. Finally, the choice of a yellow ground conjures up a stifling summer’s evening, perhaps that of the surrender itself on August 15th, 1945.
Born in the lacquer centre of Takamatsu, Asada first studied under a future Living National Treasure, Isoi Joshin, whose Artisan Association, Takumi kai, he joined in 1934. His carved lacquer work was first accepted into the Shin-Bunten in 1938 and, after its establishment in 1954, was regularly exhibited at the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition, Nihon Dento Kogei-ten.
Provenance: This work was gifted to Japan’s first post-war prime minister Yoshida Shigeru (1878-1967), who led Japan through the period of American occupation, setting the framework for Japan’s economic recovery during his premiership of 1946-54. It was subsequently handed down to his secretary’s wife.