Mingei Arts

This is beautiful Japanese black lacquer tea caddy (Chu-natsume). Chu-natsume refers to the particular shape of the tea caddy, and is the classic, standard shape for storing powered tea (matcha). It has a glossy, black lacquer body with a gold, pine, (Hinoki), branch motif on the lid and side of the piece. This is a [...]

Cigarette smoking spread along trade routes in the 17th century to Japan and westernized their way of life. The term moga (modern woman) and mobo (modern man) were commonly used for those who allowed foreign influences like smoking into their daily lives. Social conservatives felt especially threatened by the moga, whose popular image at the time was to exude sexual [...]

This is an exceptional example of Shunkei lacquer being in a round container with matching lid. It holds five small plates used in the tea ceremony for serving tea sweets (Wagashi). There are two small dings on the bottom edge from everyday ware, which does not distract from the visual or functional aspects of the [...]

A skillfully carved box that has a lid illustrating a garden setting with two figures in period robes. The round box has an interesting Greek Key motif on all sides, creating a wonderful textural pattern to the body of the piece. After the box was formed it was painted with black lacquer up to 100 [...]

Early 20th century (1920’s) incense container (Kogo) for tea ceremony; deeply carved in a pattern of concentric circles on the lid and repeated on the sides. Coloured lacquer (Tsuishi)is applied in many layers over the carved surface of the piece creating the unique style known as Kamakura-Bori Lacquer. The top section does not fit snugly now, [...]

This beautiful Japanese red lacquer carved letter box, known as Kamakura-Bori created during the Taisho period (1912-1926). Fantastic, finely rendered bamboo motif on chiseled textured background. The base material is wood, carved and lacquered. All sides with the exception of the bottom and interior has the same red lacquer finish. It is in very good condition [...]

This is an early 20th/century Japanese miniature Lacquered Jubako Bento lunch box with cover. It is lacquered in a chocolate color with gold decoration on all size in the four standard motifs (symbols of good fortune, including Daikoku, his mallet and money bag). This is a beautiful well-painted piece, in excellent original condition. Each of [...]