Page 127 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

126 | MORIYA SHOTEI: A FINE
LACQUERED SUZURIBAKO
By Moriya Shotei (1890-1972) Meiji period and was known for his modern style with traditional
Japan, dated Showa 9 (1934), Showa period (1926-1989) techniques, as well as his mastery and refinement. He apprenticed
Shirayama Shosai (1853-1923) and exhibited consistently at the
Buten, Teiten and Nitten National Exhibitions.
A fine lacquer suzuribako (writing box) decorated on the sides and
lid with a cloudy silver lacquer ground, the center of the lid with a SIZE 21.6 x 23.6 x 4.1 cm
lobed reserve with a roiro-nuri ground featuring a stylized image
of a bamboo branch in fine gold togidashi-e. The inside with dense Condition: Excellent condition, extremely minor wear to lacquer. A
nashiji clouds, roiro-nuri and gold togidashi-e maple leaves and split through the lid of the wood tomobako storage box.
wisteria. The inside of the lid is similarly decorated with various Provenance: French private collection.
flowers including kiku (chrysanthemum) flowers. With the original
ink stone and gilt brass suiteki (water dropper) showing a stylized Auction comparison:
floral mon resembling the chrysanthemum flower seal (imperial The artist’s work rarely comes up at auction, for another artwork
crest of Japan). With the original wood tomobako storage box, see Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 23 March 1999, New York,
signed and dated by the artist. lot 172 (sold for 10,925 USD).
Moriwa Shotei (1890-1972) was a talented lacquerer who was born Estimate EUR 3,000
during a period defined by the revival of lacquer arts in the later Starting price EUR 1,500

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