Details
THE PROPERTY OF A LONDON COLLECTOR
TWO RARE LARGE LACQUER KOGO [INCENSE BOXES
MUROMACHI - MOMOYAMA PERIOD (16TH CENTURY)
Each of circular form with flushfitting cover, deeply carved in the Kamakura-bori technique,
the first kogo with a design of a karashishi [lion dog] amongst tree-peony, a band of peony leaves around the side of the cover and box, the interior and base black lacquer
the second kogo with a peony flower and leaves, the interior and base black lacquer
15.6 cm. and 14.3 cm. diam.

Please note that this lot is the property of a private collector.
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Lot Essay



The Kamakura-bori technique was named not after the Kamakura period (1185-1333), but after the city of Kamakura, the capital city of the shogun at that time. Chinese carved lacquers were both highly prized and expensive, so the Japanese devised a technique of carving the design into wood and then lacquering it over with a layer of black, then a layer of red lacquer.

For a similar example of the first box, see Tokyo National Museum, Special Exhibition, Oriental Lacquer Arts, (Tokyo, 1977), pl. 178.

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