Japanese Taisho Era Urushi-E Trunk, 1920

Details

Description

Chest, urushi-e, Taisho era, circa 1920 - Japan
Materials: Lacquered wood, metal
Period: 1920s, Taisho era
Country of origin: Japan
… Read more Chest, urushi-e, Taisho era, circa 1920 - Japan
Materials: Lacquered wood, metal
Period: 1920s, Taisho era
Country of origin: Japan
Good condition considering its age and use
Dimensions: 29 x 68 x 29 cm

An exceptional Japanese chest with a domed lid, crafted in the 1920s during the Taisho era, decorated with urushi-e lacquer featuring lotus flower motifs.
Traditionally, this type of chest or travel trunk is called a hasami-bako, intended for transporting personal belongings and clothing. The piece is crafted from wood treated with the urushi lacquer technique in a black tone, upon which unfolds the lotus (hasu) motif with leaves in shades of gold, copper, and ochre, from which emerge pink and white flowers. In Japanese iconography, the lotus is a symbol of purity, spirituality, and rebirth. The piece retains its original metal front clasp with a pin, as well as two side handles for easy transport. The interior features polished reddish wood. See less