A JAPANESE GOLD LACQUER KŌGŌ (INCENSE BOX)

A JAPANESE GOLD LACQUER KŌGŌ (INCENSE BOX)
MEIJI ERA, 19TH CENTURY

Modelled in the shape of a gunbai and another fan, decorated all over in gold hiramaki-e, nashiji and kirikane; the gunbai richly decorated with bamboo and pine and the other fan with thatched pavilions by a lake; the sides with a large number of auspicious emblems scattered across the surface, including Dailkoku's mallet, Hotei's sack of treasures and a hagoromo (a tennin's feather coat); the interior and base embellished in nashiji; 5.2cm x 15.2cm x 9cm. (2)

Provenance: the Tomkinson Family Collection; purchased from M.C.N. Antiques (Umezawa), 4th November 2000; a copy of the original invoice is available.