Page 137 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

135 | TAIGYO YAMADA: A LACQUERED
HINOKI WOOD BOX DEPICTING
ONI NO NEMBUTSU

By Taigyo Yamada, signed Taigyo
Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The box and cover of rectangular shape, beautifully lacquered
in cinnabar red, silver and gold, executed in kiji maki-e and in
high relief, with a repenting oni reciting Buddhist prayer (oni no
nembutsu), his arms raised high with one hand clutching an arm,
which is reminiscent of the awakening of Daruma. A closed parasol
stands behind the demon, with a mokugyo at his side, also bearing
the artist’s incised signature TAIGYO, and a beater below. The
underside and interior of the box and cover with roironuri.
Taigyo Yamada was a lacquer artist who worked in Edo during
the early 19th century and is particularly known for his inro of
exceptional quality.

SIZE 7.5 x 15.5 x 12 cm
Condition: Good condition with minor, age-related wear and some
miniscule chips to the wood and few, small losses to the roironuri.
The kiji maki-e lacquer with very few, tiny losses that are almost
invisible to the naked eye.
Provenance: French private collection, ex collection Melvin and
Betty Jahss, by repute.

Literature comparison:
For inros by the same artist, see Raymond Bushell, The Inro
Handbook, p. 212, nos. 313, 314, 315.
Estimate EUR 3,000
Starting price EUR 1,500

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