Zohiko Studio

Store item No:5235

Meiji/Taisho period, 19/20th century

1868-1912

Kobako

A lacquer kobako box in the form of five chapters of the Tale of Genji. Beautifully worked in gold hiramaki-e & takamaki-e with highlights of blue, red lacquer and kirigane, aogai inlay, interior in nashiji. The incense box carries the label and store item number of the piece No:5235 for the zohiko lacquer studio in Kyoto.

The tomobako box has inscribed on the lid “flower lacquer work, pear skin (nashiji), cigar box” obviously not corresponding to the Kobako box, but has the corresponding item number on the inside lid. The zohiko studio have informed us from their records that this incense box had no tomobako box to house it and is highly likely that this being a suitable size tomobako would be given to protect it in transit.  

The box cover has dragons and shishi panels known as titu with the book title Genji Monogatari, two small clasps are detailed and extremely fine lines representing pages have been made to create realism. 

The inner tray depicts a scene from chapter 24 where Genji invites Lady Murasaki to visit his home for a garden party where water music is played on ornate barges. A huge flaming drum can be seen in the bottom right corner.

Four small interior boxes are decorated with nine flowers and fruit: camellia, morning glory, chrysanthemum, paulownia, pomegranate, bellflower, narcissus, patrinia (golden laces) and comfrey representing the exchange of poems between Genji and Lady Murasaki in the garden while at its best.

This kobako box was made by the famous Zohiko lacquer studio in Kyoto. The Zohiko family line stated in 1661 with Nishimura Hikobei III being given the title of master of maki-e. By 1918 the Zohiko studio created its first store whereupon Nisimura Hikobei VIII began exporting lacquer and entering world Expositions becoming highly desirable and well known. This box could possibly be made under Nishimura Hikobei VI (1884) who specialised in the tea ceremony and poetry. He often made specific items to order with unique designs and requests. Or very probably under Nisimura Hikobei VIII around the early 20th century.

130mm x 99mm x 48mm

Label Zohiko studio No:5235