Tortoise shell and lacquer with gold. Japan, 19th cent.

Elegantly formed, two-bowl form. Only the outer bowl, which can be covered, is decorated (in maki-e). The surface of the front side is probably coated with a bit of black urushi that makes the scene shine even more. In the center is the smooth contour of Mount Fuji, past which one of the three red-crowned cranes (tanchotsuru) flies, while the two other stand in the foreground. This crane, also called "red-crown" (tancho) for short, is one of the most popular symbols of longevity in Japan. The back of the case is dominated by the typical patterning of the tortoise shell bekko, finely painted grasses, and a flock of birds. The outer part of the case has a curved cut-out shape on the bottom. Very good translucence. Note: the method used to work tortoise shell involved sawing it into thin slices, heating it and then pressing it into shape.

Condition report: slight signs of use

HEIGHT 11,5 CM

From a Swedish collection

Expertise: Wolfmar Zacken