170 - A FINE GOLD LACQUER ‘CHRYSANTHEMUMS’ KOGO (INCENSE BOX) WITH AN UNUSUAL KNOPPED COVER

A FINE GOLD LACQUER ‘CHRYSANTHEMUMS’ KOGO (INCENSE BOX) WITH AN UNUSUAL KNOPPED COVER Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of shallow circular form, the inrobuta (flush-fitting) cover surmounted by a large cylindrical knop serving as a convenient grip for lifting the lid. The exterior finely decorated in iro-e takamaki-e with a dense profusion of chrysanthemums (kiku), their finely delineated blossoms rendered in varying sizes and stages of bloom, closely overlapping to form a richly layered kiku-zume pattern. The decoration extends continuously across the cover, its prominent central knop, and the sides of the box, with individual blossoms picked out in contrasting shades of gold and darker tones. The underside and interior finished in gyobu-nashiji on a roiro ground with fundame rims. DIAMETER 8.1 cm Provenance: From an old French private collection, with an old label to the interior inscribed ‘8843 MT ZS’. Condition: Excellent condition with minimal wear.