13th Jun, 2025 10:00
Fine Japanese Art
230
SOETSU AND KYUHAKU: A FINE INLAID LACQUER SUZURIBAKO (WRITING BOX) WITH CRABS
Sold for €5,850
including Buyer's Premium
By Tsuchida Soetsu (c. 1660-1745) and Koma Kyuhaku II, signed Gyonen Shichijugosai Gako No Tsuchida Soetsu and Kyuhaku saku
Japan, early 1730s
Of almost square form, finely decorated with delicate gold takamaki-e and a harmonious combination of mixed-media inlays on a lustrous roiro ground. The kabusebuta (overhanging) lid features a striking pewter-inlaid (mitsuda) crab, detailed with fine gold takamaki-e hairs and mother-of-pearl-inlaid eyes. Below the central figure, a group of small crabs is inlaid in aogai (mother-of-pearl). The scene is elegantly framed by a kinji band. Signed to the side gyonen shichijugosai gako no TSUCHIDA SOETSU [Tsuchida Soetsu, aged 75]. The interior of the cover presents a vibrant underwater scene featuring two koi fish (carps) and coral reefs, rendered in fine polychrome togidashi-e. Signed to the interior KOMA KYUHAKU saku [made by Koma Kyuhaku]. The interior is finished in nashiji with gold fundame rims.
This rare and exceptional collaboration between two master artists was produced at the peak of their respective careers. Each brings his own technical mastery to the piece: Soetsu, a preeminent lacquerer working in the traditional Rinpa style, demonstrates his finesse with mitsuda inlay; while Koma Kyuhaku, celebrated for his virtuosity in various techniques such as togidashi, achieves extraordinary depth and detail in his subtle yet dynamic scene to the interior cover.
SIZE 4.1 x 22.1 x 24.3 cm
Condition: Very good condition and presenting beautifully. A few cracks and nicks to the underside from contact with the surface. One crack to one corner to the interior lid.
Provenance: Collection of Janak Khendry (1938-2025), Toronto, Canada.
Tsuchida Soetsu (circa 1660-1745) was likely a descendant of one of the Tsuchida artists working at Koetsu's Takagamine enclave near Kyoto.
Koma Kyuhaku II, the son of Koma Kyuhaku I, followed his father's high standards. He was appointed shogunal lacquerer in 1715.
Museum comparison:
Compare a related lacquer tray with a similar design, dated to the early 17th century, in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, object number 2019.193.27.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related lacquer inro by Tsuchida Soetsu, with a similar crab design, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 141 (sold for GBP 5,625).
By Tsuchida Soetsu (c. 1660-1745) and Koma Kyuhaku II, signed Gyonen Shichijugosai Gako No Tsuchida Soetsu and Kyuhaku saku
Japan, early 1730s
Of almost square form, finely decorated with delicate gold takamaki-e and a harmonious combination of mixed-media inlays on a lustrous roiro ground. The kabusebuta (overhanging) lid features a striking pewter-inlaid (mitsuda) crab, detailed with fine gold takamaki-e hairs and mother-of-pearl-inlaid eyes. Below the central figure, a group of small crabs is inlaid in aogai (mother-of-pearl). The scene is elegantly framed by a kinji band. Signed to the side gyonen shichijugosai gako no TSUCHIDA SOETSU [Tsuchida Soetsu, aged 75]. The interior of the cover presents a vibrant underwater scene featuring two koi fish (carps) and coral reefs, rendered in fine polychrome togidashi-e. Signed to the interior KOMA KYUHAKU saku [made by Koma Kyuhaku]. The interior is finished in nashiji with gold fundame rims.
This rare and exceptional collaboration between two master artists was produced at the peak of their respective careers. Each brings his own technical mastery to the piece: Soetsu, a preeminent lacquerer working in the traditional Rinpa style, demonstrates his finesse with mitsuda inlay; while Koma Kyuhaku, celebrated for his virtuosity in various techniques such as togidashi, achieves extraordinary depth and detail in his subtle yet dynamic scene to the interior cover.
SIZE 4.1 x 22.1 x 24.3 cm
Condition: Very good condition and presenting beautifully. A few cracks and nicks to the underside from contact with the surface. One crack to one corner to the interior lid.
Provenance: Collection of Janak Khendry (1938-2025), Toronto, Canada.
Tsuchida Soetsu (circa 1660-1745) was likely a descendant of one of the Tsuchida artists working at Koetsu's Takagamine enclave near Kyoto.
Koma Kyuhaku II, the son of Koma Kyuhaku I, followed his father's high standards. He was appointed shogunal lacquerer in 1715.
Museum comparison:
Compare a related lacquer tray with a similar design, dated to the early 17th century, in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, object number 2019.193.27.
Auction comparison:
Compare a related lacquer inro by Tsuchida Soetsu, with a similar crab design, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 141 (sold for GBP 5,625).
Zacke Live Online Bidding
Our online bidding platform makes it easier than ever to bid in our auctions! When you bid through our website, you can take advantage of our premium buyer's terms without incurring any additional online bidding surcharges.
To bid live online, you'll need to create an online account. Once your account is created and your identity is verified, you can register to bid in an auction up to 12 hours before the auction begins.
Intended Spend and Bid Limits
When you register to bid in an online auction, you will need to share your intended maximum spending budget for the auction. We will then review your intended spend and set a bid limit for you. Once you have pre-registered for a live online auction, you can see your intended spend and bid limit by going to 'Account Settings' and clicking on 'Live Bidding Registrations'.
Your bid limit will be the maximum amount you can bid during the auction. Your bid limit is for the hammer price and is not affected by the buyer’s premium and VAT. For example, if you have a bid limit of €1,000 and place two winning bids for €300 and €200, then you will only be able to bid €500 for the rest of the auction. If you try to place a bid that is higher than €500, you will not be able to do so.
Online Absentee and Telephone Bids
You can now leave absentee and telephone bids on our website!
Absentee Bidding
Once you've created an account and your identity is verified, you can leave your absentee bid directly on the lot page. We will contact you when your bids have been confirmed.
Telephone Bidding
Once you've created an account and your identity is verified, you can leave telephone bids online. We will contact you when your bids have been confirmed.
Classic Absentee and Telephone Bidding Form
You can still submit absentee and telephone bids by email or fax if you prefer. Simply fill out the Absentee Bidding/Telephone bidding form and return it to us by email at office@zacke.at or by fax at +43 (1) 532 04 52 20. You can download the PDF from our Upcoming Auctions page.
How-To Guides
How to Create Your Personal Zacke Account
How to Register to Bid on Zacke Live
How to Leave Absentee Bids Online
How to Leave Telephone Bids Online
中文版本的操作指南
创建新账号
注册Zacke Live在线直播竞拍（免平台费）
缺席投标和电话投标
Third-Party Bidding
We partner with best-in-class third-party partners to make it easy for you to bid online in the channel of your choice. Please note that if you bid with one of our third-party online partners, then there will be a live bidding surcharge on top of your final purchase price. You can find all of our fees here. Here's a full list of our third-party partners:
- 51 Bid Live
- EpaiLive
- ArtFoxLive
- Invaluable
- LiveAuctioneers
- the-saleroom
- lot-tissimo
- Drouot
Please note that we place different auctions on different platforms. For example, in general, we only place Chinese art auctions on 51 Bid Live.
Bidding in Person
You must register to bid in person and will be assigned a paddle at the auction. Please contact us at office@zacke.at or +43 (1) 532 04 52 for the latest local health and safety guidelines.
