Lot 287: A lacquer natsume (tea container) By Otomaru Kodo (1898-1997), Showa Period

By Otomaru Kodo (1898-1997), Showa Period
The cover decorated with three seahorses in black and gold lacquer on a matt gold-lacquer ground, the interior and exterior with polychrome concentric circles, the base carved Ko; with tomobako titled and signed by the artist Otomaru yu with two seals. 4.5cm (1¾in) high, 8.7cm (3 3/8in) diam. (2).

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Born in Takamatsu, Otomaru Kodo learnt the technique of sanuki-bori from Ishii Keido and started studying choshitsu (carved lacquer) in 1915. He also sought inspiration from the late-Edo-period lacquer artist Tamakaji Zokoku. He participated in the Imperial Art Exhibitions in 1932 and thereafter regularly at the Teiten. He was designated a 'Living National Treasure' (Ningen Kokuho) in 1995.

For further examples of the artist's works see the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, Japanese Lacquer Art: Modern Masterpieces, New York and Kyoto, 1982, pl.nos.80-84 and pl.nos.127-129.