13th Jun, 2025 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
241
IKEDA KIICHI: A SUPERB LACQUER SHIKISHIBAKO WITH DRAGONFLIES
€3,000
€6,000
A buyer’s premium of 30.00% (including VAT) applies to the hammer price of this lot if your bid is successful.
By Ikeda Kiichi (1911-1989), signed to the original tomobako (storage box) Kiichi saku with a seal Kisai
Japan, 20th century, Showa era (1926-1989)
The shikishibako (box for square poem papers) superbly decorated in gold, green and red takamaki-e and hiramaki-e on a lustrous roiro ground. The inrobuta (flush-fitting) lid features three mother-of-pearl-inlaid dragonflies in mid-flight above windswept, overlapping stalks of grain, the scene further enhanced with fine kinpun. The design continues seamlessly over the sides, which are additionally embellished with scattered kinpun.
SIZE 7 x 27.6 x 31 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear.
With a fitted wood tomobako (storage box) signed Igusa Shikishibako [Rush Box for Square Poem Papers] and signed to the interior of the storage box KIICHI saku [made by Kiichi] with a seal KISAI.
Ikeda Kiichi (1911–1989) was a distinguished lacquer artist born in Kaga City, a historic center of lacquerware production in present-day Ishikawa Prefecture. He trained under several local masters and began exhibiting nationally in 1949, debuting at the 5th Nitten Exhibition. His talent was quickly recognized, earning him top honors at prestigious events such as the Modern Art Exhibition (1950) and the Japan Trade Exhibition (1952). Renowned for his role in revitalizing the Kaga maki-e tradition, a type of lacquerware featuring intricate gold and silver powder designs, Ikeda skillfully blended classical techniques with contemporary sensibilities. His work often incorporated motifs drawn from local crafts, customs, and natural scenery, reflecting both regional identity and refined artistry.
Auction comparison:
For another work by the artist, also signed and sealed Kiichi, dated c. 1964, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, including the Crawford Collection of Surimono, 22 September 2021, New York, lot 1127 (sold for USD 7,012).
By Ikeda Kiichi (1911-1989), signed to the original tomobako (storage box) Kiichi saku with a seal Kisai
Japan, 20th century, Showa era (1926-1989)
The shikishibako (box for square poem papers) superbly decorated in gold, green and red takamaki-e and hiramaki-e on a lustrous roiro ground. The inrobuta (flush-fitting) lid features three mother-of-pearl-inlaid dragonflies in mid-flight above windswept, overlapping stalks of grain, the scene further enhanced with fine kinpun. The design continues seamlessly over the sides, which are additionally embellished with scattered kinpun.
SIZE 7 x 27.6 x 31 cm
Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear.
With a fitted wood tomobako (storage box) signed Igusa Shikishibako [Rush Box for Square Poem Papers] and signed to the interior of the storage box KIICHI saku [made by Kiichi] with a seal KISAI.
Ikeda Kiichi (1911–1989) was a distinguished lacquer artist born in Kaga City, a historic center of lacquerware production in present-day Ishikawa Prefecture. He trained under several local masters and began exhibiting nationally in 1949, debuting at the 5th Nitten Exhibition. His talent was quickly recognized, earning him top honors at prestigious events such as the Modern Art Exhibition (1950) and the Japan Trade Exhibition (1952). Renowned for his role in revitalizing the Kaga maki-e tradition, a type of lacquerware featuring intricate gold and silver powder designs, Ikeda skillfully blended classical techniques with contemporary sensibilities. His work often incorporated motifs drawn from local crafts, customs, and natural scenery, reflecting both regional identity and refined artistry.
Auction comparison:
For another work by the artist, also signed and sealed Kiichi, dated c. 1964, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, including the Crawford Collection of Surimono, 22 September 2021, New York, lot 1127 (sold for USD 7,012).
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Auction: Fine Japanese Art, 13th Jun, 2025
Galerie Zacke is delighted to present Fine Japanese Art, a live auction featuring 600 lots spanning every era of Japan’s rich history.
The first 368 lots are elegantly showcased in our print catalog, curated to highlight Arts of the Samurai, Metalwork, Buddhist Art, Lacquerware, Porcelain, and Paintings & Woodblock Prints. Lots 369 to 600 are in our online catalog, dedicated to okimono, sagemono, and miniature works of art.
All 600 lots will be offered in a single continuous live auction beginning at 10 AM CET on 13 June.
We open with a dynamic selection of bronzes, metalwork, and samurai art. Notable highlights include a rare inlaid iron koro by Myochin Munenori (Lot 48), an impressive Myochin school suit of armor (Lot 108), and a superb tanto by Kunishige (Lot 120).
Our Buddhist Art section features incredible pieces such as a gilt-bronze figure of Jizo Bosatsu (Lot 150) and a large gilt-lacquered wood depiction of Kanzan and Jittoku (Lot 157).
We warmly invite you to explore the full catalog and join us live on 13 June for this exciting event. Learn more.
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