By Nakayama Komin, signed Hokkyo Komin 法橋 胡民 zo 造
Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Consisting of a tonkotsu (tobacco) box, muso-zutsu form kiseruzutsu (pipe case), and ojime (cord fastener). The continous design is finely decorated in black, brown, and red takamaki-e on a mottled textured ground, skillfully crafted to imitate the appearance of patinated bronze. Depicted are tortoiseshell colored vines, as well as broken carriage wheels and a praying mantis, delicately rendered, associated with determination in Japanese symbolism. The pipe case signed HOKKYO KOMIN [made by Hokkyo Komin] on a lacquered plate, designed to mimic the appearance of solid gold inlay. With a silver rim and cord attachment.

With a mother-of-pearl-inlaid and guri-lacquered ojime.

HEIGHT 7.5 cm (the tonkotsu), LENGTH 21.8 cm (the kiseruzutsu)

Condition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear and light traces of use.

Nakayama Komin was a distinguished lacquer artist of the late Edo period, renowned for his sophisticated technique and elegant designs inspired by the Rinpa school. He was awarded the honorary title of Hokkyo, a mark of his artistic excellence. Komin maintained close connections with prominent cultural figures of his time, including the painter Sakai Hoitsu (1761–1828) and the tea master Matsudaira Fumai (1751–1818). Like his contemporary Shibata Zeshin (1807–1891), Komin mastered a diverse array of lacquer techniques, often skillfully simulating the appearance of other materials, as exemplified in the present work. Today, he is celebrated as one of the three great lacquerers of the period, alongside Zeshin and Shirayama Shosai.

The broken carriage wheel symbolizes impermanence and the decline of power, while the praying mantis represents courage, perseverance, and strategic patience in East Asian culture. A famous tale from the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE) tells of the Duke of Qi, who saw a mantis fearlessly trying to stop a carriage. Impressed by its unwavering determination, he declared it a virtue worthy of a warrior.