A JAPANESE ZELKOVA PARQUETRY BOX AND COVER BY NAITO KUNIO (1919-2007)

A JAPANESE ZELKOVA PARQUETRY BOX AND COVER BY NAITO KUNIO (1919-2007)
SHŌWA/HEISEI, 20TH CENTURY

An example of Hakone Yosegi-zaiku zuku-pika (traditional Japanese parquetry with solid-wood joinery), the hexagonal box, cover and inner tray decorated with a cube effect, the rims lined with a wood of a lighter colour, in a tomobako (wood box) inscribed Jindai-tamo yosegi-zaiku rokkaku-bako (Hexagonal wood parquetry box), and signed on the inside Dentō Kōgeishi Naito Kunio saku (Master Craftsman, Made by Naito Kunio) and with a red seal mark; 25.4cm. (4)

Naito Kunio was a master of Kyo-sashimono, a refined Kyoto-style wood joinery that specializes in creating elegant furniture and tea utensils without the use of nails. Hi work is regularly featured in major cultural showcases such as the Japanese Traditional Crafts Kyoto Exhibition and in specialized galleries at the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design.