ISHIYAMA MOTOTADA: AN EXQUISITE FOUR-CASE LACQUER INRO WITH PINE TREES

By Ishiyama Mototada, signed Ishiyama Mototada
Japan, 19^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Of upright rectangular form, bearing a lustrous roiro ground, decorated in gold takamaki-e and hiramaki-e. Depicting a finely rendered pine tree, with its branches extending across both sides. The thick trunk is embellished with kirigane flakes. Signed to a lower riser ISHIYAMA MOTOTADA. The interior of nashiji with gold fundame rims.

With a carved lacquer ojime.

LENGTH 5.2 cm, HEIGHT 8 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minimal age-related wear and traces of use.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan. Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. JL.101. Dr. Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political figures of early 20th century China, remembered for his role as speaker and leader of parliament during the turbulent years of the Republican era. Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he settled in London and devoted the rest of his life to the study of Chinese art. It was no doubt fortuitous that Dr. Wou’s years of collecting coincided with an abundant availability of exceptional Chinese art on the London market. From the mid-1950s to the late 1960s he was able to form a collection of well over 1,000 works that together represented virtually every category of Chinese art. At the heart of Dr. Wou’s drive to collect was a burning desire to preserve the relics of China’s rich historical past scattered across Europe, and to promote Chinese art and culture. It is unclear when Dr. Wou conceived of the idea to create a place to house his collection, but in 1968 he opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, named in honor of his father. Over the years the Museum became a ‘must see’ destination for collectors, academics, and visiting dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight in leading his visitors through the galleries, recounting stories of China’s glorious history.