芦図蒔絵硯箱 c. 1910s

Kamisaka Sekka made this Maki-e inkstone box from wood and lacquer sometime in the 20th century. Look closely at how the reeds aren’t just painted on; they feel embedded, almost grown from the surface itself. The way light dances across the lacquered wood gives a sense of depth. The inlaid mother-of-pearl adds a shimmer that shifts as you move around it. Imagine Sekka meticulously placing each tiny piece to catch the light just so. Notice the subtle texture of the gold Maki-e against the smooth, polished lacquer. It’s almost as if the box itself is breathing. The way the reeds overlap reminds me of Gustav Klimt, with his dense, decorative surfaces. But where Klimt goes for opulent excess, Sekka finds elegance in simplicity. It's a conversation across cultures and time, each artist adding their own voice. What does it say to you?