Writing Box (suzuribako) with Design of Azalea and Kerria Blossoms

This box features a balanced design of red azalea and yellow double-flowered kerria. Set against an orange ground, simply carved yellow-lacquered flower heads are balanced by strong black-lacquered serrated leaves. These elements complement the luscious red-lacquered azalea, subtly carved in undulating form with small black leaves. The crispness and depth of carving is staggering. The overall 6 millimeters of depth would have required a build-up of over 200 layers of black, yellow, and red lacquer before the work of carving could begin. Inside the box, a plain black lacquer finish provides a setting for the simple inkstone and golden water-dropper decorated with cherry blossom petals carried in a flowing stream. The lacquer artist Tsuishu Yōzei XX is credited with revitalizing and modernizing the carved lacquer art form in the early 20th century. Born in Kyōto, he exhibited his work widely within Japan as well as at the 1900 Paris Exposition and the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, where he won an important prize.