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Gold Takamakie Lacquer Kogo, Meiji browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Japanese:Lacquer: Pre 1920: item # 125429 Please refer to our stock # SB-12 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book $245 |
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| This fine round Japanese gold makie lacquer kogo (incense container) dates to the Meiji period (1868-1912). The cover is decorated in takamakie (raised lacquer) designs of auspicious treasures, including a flaming jewel (tama), the symbol of Buddhist wisdom, and a treasure sack, usually carried by the gods Daikoku or Hotei. Delicately painted stylized cranes and feathers surround these treasures. Inlaid gold kirigane, a decorative technique employing tiny pieces of gold leaf cut in various shapes to form a kind of mosaic, completes the decoration on the cover. The plain gold lacquer interior is undecorated. Incense (“ko”) was introduced into Japan along with Buddhism around the sixth century, and it has remained a part of religious ceremonies ever since. The Heian period’s fascination with aromatics led also to secular uses. Incense also played an important role in the tea ceremony. After cleaning the rooms before the guests arrive, incense was used to purify the space spiritually and help separate it from secular space. The incense was kept in small containers such as this one and conveyed with chopsticks into the fire in the brazier. Overall condition is good; yet unfortunately, there are three cracks on the lid which have been caused by dryness. This has been reflected in the price of this fine piece of lacquer ware. Dimensions: 3 1/8” diameter, 1 ˝” high. | |||||||||||||||
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