Vintage Japanese Negoro Lacquer Incense Box with Daikon, (Radish), Motif Lid

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Dimensions: 3-3/4”l x 2-1/2”w x 1-0”h

Fine and thin wood lacquer Kogo, (incense box), in which the lid is ornamented with an abstract representation of a Daikon, (Radish), with leaves using the Takamakie (high relief): the design is made with multiple lacquer layers, creating a sculptural effect and polished to the desired effect. Specifically made for use during the tea ceremony. The piece is stamped on the back.

Incense arrived in Japan beginning with Buddhism in the sixth century. Incense experienced in temples during Buddhist ceremonies must have inspired Japanese (who could afford it) to burn incense in their homes, not only to commemorate ancestors, deities, and important life events, and to show they were sophisticated. Houses were scented, clothes were hung in ways and places to absorb incense aromas, kimono were stored with incense packets to keep away “critters” and hair was perfumed. Powdered incense was considered "cleansing”, and was used on the palms, head, and sprinkled on floors (a great practice for temples that required a 'no-footwear' policy), and used today for meditation and to calm the mind. Beautiful containers of all sizes and materials were handcrafted honoring the importance of incense throughout the Asian cultures.

Additional Information: Kamakura-bori is a type of lacquerware made in the area around the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa prefecture. The tradition dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) when Tsuishu and Tsuikoku, thickly lacquered wooden wares, were imported from China alongside other artistic crafts. The style of the imported wares was later incorporated with Japanese arts and traditional patterns and Kamakura-bori was born. Initially, Kamakura-bori techniques were mainly applied to Buddhist statues and altar items. Under the influence of Chinese handicraft work, sculptors of Buddhist ritual implements and temple carpenters started to carve Japanese Judas trees or ginkgo into wooden wares and applied a lacquer finish to pieces that were given the name Kamakura-bori.

NOTE: For more information about Japanese boxes and lacquer see our blogs: https://mingeiarts.com/blogs/celebration-of-mingei-journey-through-japan/kogo-incense-containers-open-the-atmospheric-paths-of-creativity-socialization, and https://mingeiarts.com/blogs/celebration-of-mingei-journey-through-japan/lacquerwork-an-important-intangible-ancient-art, as well as https://mingeiarts.com/blogs/celebration-of-mingei-journey-through-japan/the-craft-of-the-japanese-bako-a-box-needs-a-purpose.

Vintage Condition: Excellent as originally made. “As is” with no effects from aging, and retains the original craft/workmanship. There is no discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural.