13th Jun, 2025 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
241
IKEDA KIICHI: A SUPERB LACQUER SHIKISHIBAKO WITH DRAGONFLIES
Sold for €4,160
including Buyer's Premium
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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