158 - KOBAYASHI KAKO: A SUPERB AND LARGE GOLD TOGIDASHI LACQUER ‘PARODY OF THE THREE VINEGAR TASTERS’ TRAY

KOBAYASHI KAKO: A SUPERB AND LARGE GOLD TOGIDASHI LACQUER ‘PARODY OF THE THREE VINEGAR TASTERS’ TRAY By Kobayashi Kako (b. 1849), signed Kako and sealed Kobayashi Japan, late 19th-early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Of rectangular form with indented corners (irizumi), the finely silver-mounted tray bearing a lustrous kinji ground, masterfully decorated in gold, silver, and aokin takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and togidashi-e. The central circular reserve, set against a densely gold-sprinkled roiro ground, depicts two venerable Chinese sages accompanied by a wonderfully animated oni, all intently studying an unfurled scroll covered in minute inscriptions. The foremost sage, with a deeply wrinkled face, piercing eyes, and a long flowing beard, leans forward in animated concentration, his robes intricately decorated with overlapping scales and brocade patterns. Behind him stands the second sage, wearing an elaborate headdress and richly patterned robes, his dignified expression contrasting with the comical appearance of the oni below. The red-skinned demon, with a wild mane, prominent horns, and an expressive face, eagerly grasps the scroll with its clawed hands, introducing a delightful element of humor to the scholarly gathering. The three figures are rendered with exceptional delicacy, their expressive features, elaborate garments, and subtly differentiated lacquer surfaces displaying Kako's consummate mastery of the medium. The circular composition is surrounded by an expansive gold ground, framed by a raised border finely embellished with flowering peonies, scrolling foliage, and geometric floral latticework. Signed to the lower left KAKO and sealed KOBAYASHI in red lacquer. The underside finished in fine nashiji. SIZE 24.3 x 30.3 cm Provenance: Christie's, Asian Decorative Arts, 17 September 2001, New York, lot 88 (part lot). US private collection, acquired from the above. Condition: Excellent condition with only very minor typical wear. With a wood tomobako (storage box). Kobayashi Kako (b. 1849) was a distinguished Tokyo-based lacquer artist particularly renowned for his skill in togidashi-e and takamaki-e. Born in Edo, he studied under Tsurushita Eijusai before establishing his own studio in 1868, adopting the art names Kako and Kaizan. Kako's celebrated mastery of togidashi-e is brilliantly demonstrated in the present tray, particularly in the extraordinary refinement of the figures, their intricately patterned robes, and the richly textured lacquer ground. The composition appears to offer a humorous reinterpretation (mitate) of the Three Vinegar Tasters, a traditional allegory of the unity of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. Rather than gathering around a vessel of vinegar, two sages study a shared scroll alongside an inquisitive oni, transforming the familiar philosophical subject into a charming and witty scene. This inventive treatment also recalls the satirical spirit of Otsu-e painting.