Page 52 - Bonhams Japanese art nov 7 2024

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TOMITA KOSHICHI I (1854-1910) Among the most renowned lacquer artists of the Meiji era (1868-1912),
OR TOMITA KOSHICHI II (1873-1944) Tomita Koshichi, was one of those rare craftsmen who deftly combined
AND KOSAI (DATES UNKNOWN) exceptional technical skills with the sensibilities of modern design.
Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1912-1926) Born in Kyoto as Okumura Koshichi, he studied under Yamamoto
or Showa (1926-1989) era, early 20th century Takemitsu and Mitsutoshi from the age of 10. In 1877, he moved to
The exterior of the kabusebuta (overhanging lid) decorated in silver Tokyo, studied under Kiyokawa Morisada, and was adopted by the
hiramaki-e and gold takamaki-e with five ayu (sweetfish) leaping in a antique dealer Tomita Isuke, later moving back to Kyoto. His works
cascading waterfall beneath an overhanging branch of maple leaves, were selected for both domestic and international exhibitions. Koshichi
the interior of the lid with a solitary frog applied in shell crouched over was succeeded by his leading pupil Tomita Makoto who became
a rock, the inside of the box fitted with a plain wood ita (baseboard) Koshichi II; his earliest recorded work dates from 1910, the date
containing the suzuri (ink-grinding stone) and suiteki (water dropper) of his master’s death.
in the form of two silver maple leaves, signed on the underside of the
box Ko within an oval reserve; with a wood tomobako storage box
inscribed inside the lid Kurodake ten’nen no taki ryoshibako (Black
bamboo document box with design of a natural waterfall) and signed
Himonoshi Kosai (Cypress woodworker Kosai) with a seal Ko and
Maki-eshi Koshichi (Maki-e craftsman Koshichi) with a kao.
3.5cm x 22cm x 20.5cm (1 3/8in x 8 5/8in x 8 1/16in). (5).
£3,000 - 5,000
JPY580,000 - 970,000
US$3,900 - 6,500

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
50 | BONHAMS please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.