179 - SASAKI SHOAN: A FINE LACQUERED KUROGAKI ‘DRAGON AND TAMA’ KOGO (INCENSE BOX)

SASAKI SHOAN: A FINE LACQUERED KUROGAKI ‘DRAGON AND TAMA’ KOGO (INCENSE BOX) By Sasaki Shoan (b. 1947), signed Shoan Japan, 21st century Of circular form with an inrobuta (flush-fitting) cover, fashioned from richly figured kurogaki (black persimmon) wood, its dramatic natural grain providing a striking ground for the finely executed decoration in iro-e takamaki-e and hiramaki-e. The cover depicts a fierce dragon emerging from swirling clouds, its finely articulated scales, flowing mane, sharply pointed horns, and long curling whiskers meticulously rendered in gold and colored lacquer. Its vivid blue-green eyes and open jaws, revealing a red tongue, lend the creature a powerful expression as it reaches toward a luminous tama (sacred jewel). The jewel, formed from a large domed iridescent inlay, is encircled by concentric swirling bands of raised lacquer suggesting turbulent waves. The dragon's sinuous, scaly body continues around the sides, harmoniously integrated with the natural patterns of the wood. The interior finished in dark lacquer. Signed to the recessed base in red lacquer SHOAN. DIAMETER 7.3 cm Condition: Excellent condition. With the original wood tomobako (storage box), inscribed Kurogaki, Ryu maki-e, Kogo, 黒柿 龍蒔絵 香合 [Black persimmon wood incense box with dragon maki-e], signed SHOAN 省庵 with seal. Sasaki Shoan (born 1947) is a distinguished contemporary lacquer artist based in Kyoto, celebrated for his mastery of maki-e, raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), and kanshitsu (dry lacquer) techniques. His work combines traditional craftsmanship with inventive compositions and sophisticated surface treatments. In 1996, he received the Matsushita Konosuke Memorial Award at the 25th Japan Traditional Kogei Kinki Exhibition, followed by the Kyoto Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent's Award at the 44th exhibition in 2015. His works have been exhibited alongside those of his wife, Sachiko, including at the Museum of Kyoto in 2024. Literature comparison: Compare a related dry-lacquer, raden, and maki-e box entitled Ieji (Homeward), by Sasaki Shoan, exhibited at the 44th Japan Traditional Kogei Kinki Exhibition in 2015, where it received the Kyoto Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent's Award. Illustrated on the website of the Japan Kogei Association.