Two-Tiered Box with Design of Autumn Fruits 1850 - 1899

This two-tiered box, crafted by Ikeda Taishin, presents a striking visual interplay between form and decoration, characteristic of Japanese lacquerware. The box's rectangular geometry, defined by its clean, sharp edges and smooth, reflective surface, is immediately softened by the organic motifs of autumn fruits. The design features persimmons and grapes, rendered with subtle gradations of red, gold, and green against the deep black lacquer. This contrast heightens the visual impact, drawing the eye across the surface. The composition encourages us to consider the semiotic significance of these natural forms, where the fruits represent abundance and the changing seasons, reflecting cultural values deeply embedded in Japanese aesthetics. The box destabilizes any fixed meaning, instead suggesting a continuous cycle of change and renewal. Its overall structure and attention to detail invite ongoing interpretation, emphasizing that art's value lies not in static representation but in its capacity for dynamic engagement.