Product Information
The exterior maki-e decoration of this piece uses a technique that combines eggshell and maki-e, mimicking Terai Naoji’s work "Fukikusa Makie Hirana-tsume." It recreates the depiction of "flourishing and shining like the peonies in June." The interior of the box is decorated with a flowing water motif in gold powder maki-e. Tanizaki's novel tells a story set in Nanjing, China, as portrayed by a Japanese author, while this piece represents a traditional Japanese craft, the maki-e box, created by a Chinese artist. This work explores the possibility of a cross-generational dialogue in reverse.
Message
The exterior decoration of this dry lacquer maki-e box, "Lament of the Mermaid," illustrates the progression of time as peonies gradually bloom, reach full bloom, and eventually fall. The interior is adorned with a flowing water motif in gold powder maki-e. In this world, there are no flowers that do not fall, nor people who do not pass away. Perhaps having many beautiful memories before parting is the best outcome?
2024
Kanazawa
Wood, lacquer, eggshell, black maki-e
