Bonhams 1793 : A small lacquered-wood fubako (document box and cover) By Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), Meiji Period

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9 Nov 2010 14:30 GMT London, New Bond Street
The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art: Part I
Back to auction 18493

A small lacquered-wood fubako (document box and cover)

By Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), Meiji Period
The cover of the elegant, narrow box is embellished with an itomari ball lying beside pine needles, in black, gold and red takamakie, skilfully rendered in a variety of textures, whilst the shitan-nuri box is decorated with a simulated crack that has undergone a skilful repair in the form of a butterfly-shaped cleat, the interior of dark olive-green lacquer, the inside of the bamboo cover with scratched signature Zeshin.
2cm x 21.3cm x 5.1cm (¾in x 8 3/8in x 2in). (2).

Sold for £74,400 inc. premium

Footnotes

松葉に鞠図紫壇塗文箱　銘「是真」　明治時代

Provenance: F.A. Richards collection, purchased at Sotheby's London, 1964.
Wrangham collection, no.344.

Shitan-nuri (rosewood lacquer) was one of the most complex surfaces that Zeshin invented. He is thought to have developed it during the 1840's and 1850's. The effect of the simulated repair is to suggest that the box is a treasured family heirloom, lovingly repaired and cherished through the ages and which perfectly suited its purpose.

Category: Asian Art / Japanese Art

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