162 - Geometric-patterned kogo in the Rinpa tradition, Japan, Edo period, 18th century

Geometric-patterned kogo in the Rinpa tradition, Japan, Edo period, 18th century Made of wood with a fundame lacquer base, circular in shape with a fitted lid and mountings of a tin-lead alloy. The top and sides are decorated with a geometric checkerboard pattern known as ichimatsu moyō - 市松文様, combining iridescent raden mother-of-pearl inlays, gilded areas, and circular lead plate elements adorned with engraved floral motifs. The interior is entirely lined with nashiji lacquer. Height: 3 cm; diameter: 7.5 cm Shows signs of normal wear and a few minor imperfections in the inlays. The decoration, based on the contrast between the mother-of-pearl, dark metal, and the gilded background, is in keeping with the stylistic vocabulary of traditional Rinpa lacquerware and, more specifically, the Kōrin maki-e style, characterized by the use of large, cut-out shapes made of mother-of-pearl and metal plates, particularly lead.