Bottle (tokkuri) In Lacquered And Gold Powdered Pewter. Japan 19° Edo Or Meiji.

In the shape of a very elegant double gourd gourd, this tokkuri is made of lacquered tin. The decoration is in "Takamaki-e" lacquer (sprinkled) with gold and pigmented with red and black. Japanese lacquerers did not use tin as a support for their works because of the lack of porosity of the metal. Such objects are therefore very rare. The decoration represents stylized flowers and birds forming medallions, the lacquer work is of beautiful quality and it is indeed Maki-e (sprinkling) of gold powder and not simple brush painting. Pewter objects easily deform at the slightest shock, it is surprising that this Tokkuri has remained in good condition, there is only a small lack of lacquer revealing the shiny metal in the base part (see photo) and other lacks under the base at the places of friction. The good condition of this tokkuri suggests that it was used for cha-no-yu ceremonies and therefore handled respectfully with the greatest care. Height 21cm.