Lacquer suzuribako with crane decoration in the style of Kōrin

Japanese urushi lacquer suzuribako signed Heian Zōhiko, Kyoto, Taishō–early Shōwa period, circa 1920-1940. The lid features a decoration of cranes in flight inspired by the aesthetics of Ogata Kōrin, on a gold background with stylized water lines.

The composition is based on a diagonal movement. The cranes are rendered in mother-of-pearl raden and pewter in the spirit of Rimpa lacquerware. The mother-of-pearl catches the light with green, pink, and silver reflections. The dark parts add weight to the decoration. The whole remains very legible, almost graphic, with few elements and a real tension between the materials.

The interior is made of deep-polished black roiro-nuri lacquer. The tray is arranged for writing, with an inkstone, a suiteki, and accessories. The inkstone is signed on the underside. The circular silver suiteki, with a radiating design, bears a Japanese hallmark. The edges of the box and lid are silver. The bottom of the box bears Zōhiko's seal mark in gold lacquer.

Inscription and tomobako

The tomobako bears the inscription 光琳鶴蒔絵 硯箱, which can be translated as: "suzuribako with crane maki-e decoration in the style of Kōrin". The signature indicates Zōhiko. 

Heian Zōhiko and Kōrin's legacy

Zōhiko is one of Kyoto's great lacquerware houses. Its history dates back to the 17th century, and the workshop played an important role in transmitting high-level maki-e. Its modern productions often draw on great classical Japanese models, particularly those related to the Rimpa school.

Ogata Kōrin (1658-1716) is one of the major artists of this aesthetic. His influence extends beyond painting and deeply impacted lacquerware, textiles, and Japanese decorative arts. In Kōrin's work, natural motifs become signs: water is reduced to a rhythm, a bird to a silhouette, and a landscape to a composed surface. This suzuribako embodies this intelligent use of space. The cranes, symbols of longevity and good fortune, traverse the lid with a simple and immediately recognizable force.

Very good condition. Complete set with tomobako, inkstone signed on the underside, hallmarked silver suiteki, and Zōhiko seal mark in gold lacquer.

Dimensions: approximately 22 × 18 cm.