A Nautical Inlaid Lacquer Box

This rectangular lacquer box features a nautical scene with drifting seaweed and a basket of shells on a dark background. The smooth black surface provides striking contrast for the box’s decorations, which are executed in an array of lacquering techniques. Crushed egg shells are used to create pure white details, inlaid with a technique called rankaku. Mother-of-pearl raden inlay produces shimmering iridescent effects, and maki-e, where fine metal powders are sprinkled in layers on wet lacquer, creates luminous gold effects. Lastly, iro-urushi is applied to create red, brown and green lacquer details.

Nestled in the centre of this basket, an abalone shell is rendered in a prominent green. In Japan, abalone symbolise longevity and high status, known as the ‘meat of the gods’ due to their rarity. The clams, with their fitted halves, symbolise inseparable couples, and shells in general imply lasting relationships. This medley of treasures is surrounded by seaweed strands that swim across the box’s dark surface, as though moved by invisible waves. Further high-relief shells, perhaps too small to be picked, lie among these flowing strands.