Page 145 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

141 | A SUPERB ‘KABUTO’
LACQUER KOGO
Japan, second half of 19th century

The wood kogo (incense box) is brilliantly lacquered to emulate
a kabuto (helmet). The five shikoro (neck guards) are lacquered
in grey, simulating lacquered iron, with black and red-lacquered
crosses simulating the cords with which the individual plates
are usually tied together. The top of the sujibachi kabuto (ridged
helmet) is masterfully lacquered in sabiji-nuri (imitating iron),
shows a fine gilt-lacquered tehen kanamono, and is removable,
revealing the storage space for incense which is lacquered in black
with sparsely sprinkled gold flakes and various kamon in gold
takamaki-e.
The most impressive part of the kogo is the maedate in the form
of a grinning oni with mother-of-pearl inlaid teeth and two large
gold-lacquered kuwagata. The fukigaeshi are flaring and show two
symbols in roundels and gold and shell kirigane. The underside of
the kogo shows a nashiji ground with foliate decoration and gold
lacquered kiri-mons, perhaps indicating an imperial gift.
SIZE 8.5 x 10.7 x 9.8 cm
Condition: Superb condition with only very minimal surface wear.
The inside of the removable section with a chip to the rim and
some overall wear to the edges.
Provenance: Purchased at Christie’s, Japanese Works of Art, 18-20
November 1997, lot 432 (purchased for 11.339 USD).

Estimate EUR 5,000
Starting price EUR 2,500

139