40 - IKEDA TAISHIN: A FINE LACQUER ‘HYOTAN AMONG WINDBLOWN LEAVES’ KISERUZUTSU (PIPE CASE)

IKEDA TAISHIN: A FINE LACQUER ‘HYOTAN AMONG WINDBLOWN LEAVES’ KISERUZUTSU (PIPE CASE) By Ikeda Taishin (1825-1903), signed Taishin 泰真 Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Of muso-zutsu form, finely decorated in subtly graduated layers of dark translucent lacquer with a double gourd (hyotan) suspended from slender trailing stems amid large windblown leaves. The beautifully polished wood is covered with a thin translucent lacquer, deliberately allowing the natural grain to remain visible beneath the surface, where its softly shifting patterns evoke the silhouettes of trees emerging through distant mist. The restrained decoration and atmospheric treatment of the ground lend the composition remarkable depth and refinement. The rim mounted with a shibuichi fitting incorporating the cord attachment. Signed to the side TAISHIN. LENGTH 20.3 cm Condition: Very good condition, with only minor wear including a few light surface scratches throughout. Ikeda Taishin (1825-1903) was the leading pupil of Shibata Zeshin and one of the most accomplished lacquer artists of the Meiji period. Born in Edo, he entered Zeshin’s workshop in 1835 at the age of eleven and remained under his tutelage for several decades before establishing himself independently around 1870. In 1896, together with Kawanobe Itcho (Genjiro, 1830–1910), he was appointed Artist to the Imperial Household (Teishitsu gigeiin). Among his pupils was Umezawa Ryushin, later associated with the Imperial Fine Arts Academy. Auction comparison: Compare a related lacquered rattan kiseruzutsu depicting a hyotan-shaped flask below a maple branch, by Ikeda Taishin, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 7 November 2025, Vienna, lot 59 (sold for EUR 4,940). Compare a related lacquered wood kiseruzutsu depicting a sake gourd in a carrying net and maple leaves, by Ikeda Taishin, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 20 March 2012, New York, lot 2191 (sold for USD 4,750 or approx. EUR 5,900 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).